Reptile & Amphibian Forums

As of late, I have been unable to go onto the turtle classifieds section of kingsnake without getting upset. I see ads for groups of W.C. Ornate boxies and the seller always thinks that their actions of taking these animals from their natural home in order to make a quick buck is alright because it's 'legal'! What are the folks at fish and wildlife thinking (I know, they're not thinking) by allowing 'people' to remove these animals in such mass quantities? It's heartbreaking and angers me to no end!

It's just as sad as what's going on with the alligator snappers. They are protected throughout most of their range, but they can still be hunted in Louisiana (there's a limit of course, but is anyone actually monitoring this?...I think not!)

Also, there sure are alot of alleged 'C.B.' ADULT Diamondback terrapins and Spotteds being offered. Makes me sick to know that these wonderful species will soon face extinction all because of the greed of humans. Sorry, I just had to vent! ~Christy~

I know it "won't make a difference," but if you live in a state with underprotected Clemmys, reach out. If you live in a state with box turtles that can be commercially collected (TX) do the same. Constructive, directional “venting” is much better than obsolete forum venting. That's not me being condescending; it's me being inspirational, grin. Having a conscious on the matter yet remaining physically apathetic is not enhancing the stage for wild chelonians any more than is collecting.

Macroclemmys is a huge (brilliant pun) problem. Although they are allowed to be caught within certain size limits (because their biology is identical to that of commercial fishes insofar as Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries policy is concerned) throughout the state of Louisiana, it is not from Louisiana that most of these turtle originate (as the "supply" crashed decades ago). Arkansas passed protection for these animals in 1993. Still, they are largely trafficked through Louisiana as being from within that state. In fact, Macroclemmys is one of only two turtle species Arkansas protects. The remainder of the aquatic species is controlled identically to commercial fishes, and can be harvested in rather unlimited numbers with just such a license. It has been the bane of the state herpetologist (with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission) for years. Despite his efforts, litigation seems impossible to reverse.

Additionally, everyone who buys reptiles magazine is supporting a magazine that does not discriminate against wild-supplied "turtle farms" of the south, as several of these places advertise monthly in that publication. Harger's Finest Catch, TurtleSales.com, etc. These individuals are Asian food market traders effectually stripping multiple watersheds in this country.

Early education is the most realistic option, and the more individuals in younger generations that can be reached and informed about chelonian vulnerability due to our lacking recognition of their significance in aquatic (and to a slighter extent terrestrial) environments, the sooner humanity in this nation is likely to more fully embrace those organisms that presently seem so separate to most of us.

Take ten or fifteen minutes to argue eco-ethics with a commercial turtle trapper/live animal trader (or a politician) and you get double directional frustration. Take the same amount of time in a local classroom of youngsters, and you've designed a cheloniophile brigade ready to crusade for your very cause. But don't get too carried away. Big brother is always watching.

>>If you live in a state with box turtles that can be commercially collected (TX) do the same. Constructive, directional “venting” is much better than obsolete forum venting. That's not me being condescending; it's me being inspirational, grin.

Inspirational is good! Making calls, writing letters, joining statewide anti- turtle collection groups, signing petitions makes me feel good but so far it's like hitting a brick wall. It's frustrating that TX will not put a stop to this. For several weeks now there's been an ad in the local Thrifty Nickel want ad newspaper that comes out weekly, some idiot is running a contest. Whoever collects the most wild reptiles for him so that he can make money off them by selling them to pet stores wins a prize & this is LEGAL! When you do the right things to try to get it stopped & nothing happens it's hard not to vent on a forum.
I'll never understand why people treat animals as if they're things. Some people care more about their inanimate objects than living beings.
Stuff is more important dontchaknow.
-----
PHRatz

'Get Busy, already'

Turst me, I have exhausted myself with contacting people about the matters at hand. Though my attempts seem to fall on deaf ears, I will continue to hound until something is done, or until I drop dead which is being more realistic.

Yes, education and the younger generation is our best hope, but sadly, as kids grow into adults, most will choose the 'all mighty dollar' over what is right. I know its a negative way of looking at it, but it's the truth. Sometimes venting is all one has. At least here on the fourms, there are people who share these frustrations.

I was just thinking the same thing. The availability of boxies, spotteds, and blandings in such large quanities to me is disturbing. Like you I won't even log onto the classifieds of this site or faunaclassifieds because I always see large adult boxies for sale. It is obvious that they are wild caught. Unfortunately people are driven by money that is the way America has molded us. People will do anything for money things much worse then what goes on at this site and others. As for the boxies I really feel sorry for them, I personally think here where i live on the east coast they are in dire straits. I think the full picture will be realized in the next decade or so when so many of these adults or would be adults aren't in the wild to reproduce anymore. Unfortunately nothing will be done until it is too late as is with so many things in this country. It's ashame but its never going to change