Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been thinking about this "endangered species" status issue with respect to captive bred species of snakes like P. melanoleucus lodingi.

The ideal situation would be to have some kind of national organization which maintains breeding records on stock. Breeders could "register" their snakes and a certain number of each brood of hatchlings or subadults could be "donated" to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for restocking in the wild. This could actually be extended to other native species of herpetiles.

The rationale behind this would be multi-fold. By registering stock, care could be taken to assure that lines of stock are not excessively inbred, which could result in loss of biological vigor. By working with the Fish and Wildlife Service, we could deflate attacks by that growing number of vociferous malcontents who oppose keeping "wild animals" in captivity, by serving a useful scientific purpose, i.e. restocking endangered species or species under threat of endangerment.

Such an organization could also offer courses to prospective novice reptile hobbysts, advising them of the proper and safe maintenance of captive reptiles.

Such an organization might be able to encourage breeders and sellers of captive bred reptiles to offer individual specimens for sale to individuals with the understanding that purchasers would only resell these specimens or their offspring to other members of the organization, keeping our animals out of the hands of those who are not adequately trained in their care, and out of the extermination camps that many pet shops have become for captive reptiles.

By policing our own hobby and offering society something back in return for tolerating us, we could assure the perpetuation of our interest for future generations.

Just a thought.

That would be cool, but any such breeders would have to keep their stock under such strict quarantine that they probably wouldn't be allowed to keep any other herps. Which would keep me from signing up. Also I'd like to see some studies on how well reintroduced CB snakes do in the wild before I'd send any over to Fish and Wildlife to be released. Good idea though.
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Peter: It's OK, I'll handle it. I read a book about something like this.
Brian: Are you sure it was a book? Are you sure it wasn't NOTHING?

It's a very well planned idea. Returning something for society is always a superb goal. The strict quarantine and perfect care of endangered animals will also weed out the people wanting them without the respect or responsibility needed for them.
The only major problem is the releasing of animals into the wild. This is always a risky prospect for the released animals, as well as for the populations receiving this animal. The benifits only outway the risks when dealing with endangered animals and they are being released into protected habitats.
It will take a lot for one person to create such an organization. If going about it yourself (someone needs to take charge) I would suggest contacting large, well known and prolific herp breeders and create an executive for the society. With these people, the sphere of influence will be large and give the society some merit.
Another suggestion is instead of working with the Fish and Wildlife, you could propose that they themselves work the project. Either way, some sort of relationship would be needed to allow for the special permits needed to behold endangered species.

I have been on the self policing ban wagon for awhile. I think we need to clean up the worst that we see to keep this hobby.

I have worked on getting this carnival prize craze stopped and I see that the rabbit people are also joining to see ths stopped.

If we work together to clean up the worst, the rest of us will be seen in a better light.

Cindy