Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Folks, PLEASE only purchase CB Uros. If only we could add up the millions (yes, millions) of various species Uros (& other reptiles) destined for the pet trade, it would shock you. Wild stocks are suffering hugely so that we can all have our very own Uro. Don't add to the problem if you can help it. The importation loss of lives in Uros in the last ten years is truly staggering & saddening. Let us lovers of them not contribute to their extinction.
My 2 cents.
Dan.

"Folks, PLEASE only purchase CB Uros."

Captive bred uromastyx come from people purchasing wild caught animals.

I am assuming that all of your reptiles are captive bred Dan and that you are just getting tired of the BS you are seeing in this industry/hobby?

I say we try to focus on what is really to blame for these high mortality rates and if you truly have information that shows too many animals are being taken from the wild and populations are suffering, then take it up with the organization that has some authority to do something about this-CITES.

While I agree that it would be a perfect world if everyone were to purchase captive bred uromastyx, there are just not enough quality breeders out there having enough success to meet the supply and demand. Given the fact that not every species has been successfully bred/hatched in captivity further adds to the dilemma.
Unfortunately, as long as the import trade allows for mali uromastyx to be sold for $19.99 on the internet, you will have a hard time finding breeders who want to invest the time, money, and effort in breeding a species they almost have to give away. Sad isn’t it?

I have done some deep soul searching in the last several years regarding the slow miserable death many of these animals face in captivity and was beginning to wonder if it was fair for any of us to keep any of these animals. I started to question why I was involved in breeding uromastyx when it was apparent to me that many would end up with the same fate as many of the wc uromastyx coming into the country. I think it was then that I began to realize that the problem deals more with irresponsible ownership than it does with the animal actually being wild caught. Participating on several forums made me recognize that although there is certainly a higher rate of success with purchasing a cb uromastyx, the chance of success is only as good as the knowledge and attitude of the owner.

I have been successfully acclimating wild caught uromastyx (even those bookmarker thin geyri adults arriving in 2001) for a number of years. I feel the reason that I have been successful is that I spend countless hours researching the genus and DO put the time, money, and effort into providing the best care that I possibly can. I find that there is an exceptionally high success rate with wc uromastyx for those who are truly putting in the effort. This may start out with something as simple as research to know what species is right for the given experience level and recognizing and avoiding those species that are considered higher maintenance or more difficult to work with species. This also involves finding a good vet, setting money aside for unexpected vet bills, and purchasing the correct equipment such as the proper size enclosures, gram scales, feeding needles, infrared laser temperature gun, uvb meters, …prior to ordering the animal. Did I mention the countless reptile books, veterinarian books, microscope, mini lab and pharmacy?

Do I expect everyone to invest this type of money and equipment into keeping one or two uromastyx- absolutely not. However, I would be willing to bet that if everyone who purchased a uromastyx would simply invest several weeks into researching these animals beforehand, and then purchase a 36x18 or larger (preferably) enclosure, the proper amount and type of heat and uvb fixtures, temp gun, and digital thermometer in addition to taking a fecal to the vet on every reptile they take in -the death rate would be cut drastically on these wild caught uromastyx. Why am I pointing this out? Because I feel the problem often lies more with ‘us’ than the wild caught animals coming into the country. If we do our part to get it right with correct husbandry and care, the supply and demand should start to balance out with fewer imports being needed. Do I have my sites set high- sure.

The trouble is that this seems to be a 'disposable' world where it is as simple as buying a new reptile after the first one dies. Why the heck would anyone take the time to look into what may have went wrong the first time (couldn’t be ‘our’ husbandry or lack of right?) when all we need to do is quickly blame it on the animal being wild caught or having an impaction and just replace it with another? Worse yet- those parents that teach this appalling lesson to their children by continually replenishing the stock as it dies. After all, little Johnny needs his play toys right? What ever happened to teaching little Johnny life lessons like responsibility?

Nope, the problem does not necessarily arise from wild caught uromastyx, it comes from the ignorance of the people keeping them.

Unfortunately, the problem will not just go away by suggesting that people not buy wild caught uromastyx. The negligent owners will be the last to have a conscious and think about this (or even care) and price overwhelmingly dictates most sales. Suggesting that people not buy wild caught uromastyx is like suggesting people not drink to curb society’s problem with alcoholism. Noble suggestion but just not very realistic.

Maybe a statement such as "those with limited experience keeping uromastyx should make every attempt to purchase a captive bred uromastyx or a wild caught uromastyx that has been properly acclimated by a reputable breeder" would be more productive?

My suggestion if you truly feel the need - put pressure on the import industry, CITES, and those businesses that do a hideous job with housing imports prior to shipping to dealers/other businesses. Report the pet stores who are keeping these animals inhumanly, or who continually purchase half-dead animals from the same vendor. Speak up when you see bad husbandry advice being given whether it is in a pet store or on a forum. (My number one pet peeve with forums lies with those people that like to gush over every cute photo of a uromastyx while ignoring all the bad husbandry in the photo background- this kills me.) Another productive measure might be to create a checklist of things a responsible owner should have on hand and be willing to do for their animal prior to purchase and post this on as many forums as you can find. Take time on forums to express honest constructive advice like I do even if it means you won’t be winning any congeniality awards in doing so. Although none of this may sway the average negligent/irresponsible owner into better/proper care, it may very well help with those who are simply less informed.

If we try to focus on wiping out bad husbandry practices with those who care enough to listen and inform those who are unaware of the time and effort involved in the care of these animals of what they are getting into ahead of time - this would save a lot more animals from an agonizing death than simply saying ‘don’t buy wild caught uromastyx.’ Again, very noble effort- just not realistic in this disposable world when price often plays a more important role in decision making than quality and where cb uromastyx are extremely limited.

Kudos to those breeders who not only put in the effort, time and money necessary to properly raise these animals but who also take the time to inform new owners of the correct husbandry and who are willing to lose a sale to little Johnny if he intends to throw the uromastyx in a 10 or 20 gallon aquarium. I say we go out of our way to support reputable and responsible breeders like this and boycott those who continually sell inferior/unhealthy animals. Considering that there are few captive bred uromastyx each year in this country, I feel one of the more productive ways to improve the longevity of wc uromastyx in captivity would be to avoid those $19.99 sales and find a breeder or dealer who is willing to properly acclimate wild caught uromastyx. Yes, the cost will be a little higher for their time, effort, and expertise in doing so but well worth it as it greatly increases the chance of success with these animals and thus should cut down on the need for heavy importation.

I think I went over my allotment on my 2 cents worth.

So good to see one person out there who steps up to the task & returns a very excellent response. Thank you so much! My thoughts are unchanged, though. The poverty in the countries where these lizards originate can cause whole populations to decline when a value is placed on them. Our NEED to have them in our collections is greed, plain & simple. You're right, responsible husbandry is an issue as well, a large one, but I feel the vast majority of losses are happening long before the buyer enters the picture.
There are enough animals in private collections across the country to support a great breeding stock for the future. Let the prices be high enough to weed out the novelty types.