>>The problem is that very few people will ever bother doing as much research as perhaps you or Tom will do. They rely on (read: are simply spoon fed) embarrassingly sensational "journalism" to shape their opinion. Exclude cats/habitat destruction/skunk apes out of enough mainstream reporting and the general public will be none the wiser. This feeds into the general distaste for our (my) hobby and others' profession/s. When we subsequently look for support, it will be difficult to shift the mindset.

I agree with you there. Too many people believe what they are told -- and that includes claims on BOTH sides of the argument!
-----
----

0.1 Peruvian rainbow boa (Amaru)
2.0 Brazilian rainbow boas (TBA)
0.3 Honduran milksnakes (Chicchan, Chanir, Hari)
2.6 corns (Cetto, Tolosa, TBA)
1,000,000.1,000,000 other critters