Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just read about this case in SC. I think the brothers may have made a good move by insisting on a jury trial. The prosecutor may have a hard time showing how their actions harmed the population of "endangered" alligators.

It will be interesting to see how things turn out.
Rare white alligator in legal limbo

Hmmm, well, I think the law is pretty clear...I ASSUME that their possession permit was for what they already had at the serpentarium, and didn't authorize them to take any wild ones--Leucistic or not. Its pretty clear to me, that they would/should be fined. The Clamps are pretty well known down there, and its not an issue of poaching, simply, its illegal to catch wild alligators.

What strikes me as hypocritical is that the surviving wild gator, WENT TO A ZOO. So, if the gator is supposed to be in the wild....Why doesn't DNR turn it loose? The zoo simply will try to breed it. So why is it ok for a zoo to create such an ecologically useless novelty color phase, but the exotic animal trade/private individuals do it, its wrong? Its such a double-standard, that its reeks of hypocrisy. We DO NOT need albino/leucistic gators, whether from a zoo or private collectors. They are of no benefit to the wild populations. BUT, because a Zoo does it--it's ok? Give me a break!!

At any rate, I hope the Clamps, aren't fined. They're genuinely conservation conscious folk. Though, I've never met them, I'm told that no one knows Eastern Diamondback rattlesnakes, like the Clamps!

Matt
www.matabuey.com

>>What strikes me as hypocritical is that the surviving wild gator, WENT TO A ZOO.

That's right where it belongs. It would not survive in the wild and if the Clamps obtained the animal illegally, they should not be allowed to profit by displaying the animal at their facility.

>>So, if the gator is supposed to be in the wild....Why doesn't DNR turn it loose?

Like us, the DNR knows that means almost certain death.

>>The zoo simply will try to breed it.

At less than 2 feet long the gator is too young to breed.

>>So why is it ok for a zoo to create such an ecologically useless novelty color phase, but the exotic animal trade/private individuals do it, its wrong? Its such a double-standard, that its reeks of hypocrisy. We DO NOT need albino/leucistic gators, whether from a zoo or private collectors. They are of no benefit to the wild populations. BUT, because a Zoo does it--it's ok? Give me a break!!

I disagree. Albino/leucistic alligators attract attention. People with no interest in normally colored crocodilians line-up to see the rare "white gators". This in itself helps wild populations simply by bring more attention to crocodilians in general. Couple the attraction power of the white gator to an entertaining yet educational presentation and the plight of crocodilians can be taught (preached) to whole different group of people. People that wouldn't normally give crocodilians a second thought.

..I don't think many people have trouble being attracted to crocodilians. They're large size, and ferocious reputation, is generally enough to attract attention-regardless of whether people like them or not.

While I don't think the Clamps should have kept it, I believe the gator should have remained in the wild. The gator would certainly have died in the wild. That's what happens in nature. The animal was not genetically disposed to be among the fittest for survival, therefore, the animal should have been left alone to let nature take its course.

I've yet to see where any of the leucistic/albino's, etc. have added more to an alligator display than any normal gators. They done nothing more, than to draw in more admissions revenue at zoos. I highly doubt any director is thinking "We can get out education message across more effectively"--they're thinking $$$$.

I've yet to see where any of the leucistic/albino's, etc. have added more to an alligator display than any normal gators. They done nothing more, than to draw in more admissions revenue at zoos. I highly doubt any director is thinking "We can get out education message across more effectively"--they're thinking $$$$.

I came here to see what people thought about that story but I disagree with you. As someone who for the most part has no interest in crocs,gators at all .
I would ceratinly want to see a white one just because its different and have never seen one other than pics.
I have seen small gators in the area (Miami) and find them bland color wise but would love to go to zoo,etc to see a white one.
like red ear slider turtles. If you have seen one you have seen them all but the albinos draw attention. granted I have never seen a large gator only small ones. I think they are killed over a certain length in this area.

I live on Hilton Head Island...been here for about 3 weeks but havent seen a gator yet...ne one else live on the island?