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Posted by Terry Cox on April 15, 2000 at 09:12:00:
In Reply to: Survival of the ratsnakes inside the hobby. posted by Pedersen, Søe on April 15, 2000 at 06:45:39:
We can say what we want about the big breeders, or the system, but I believe the answer to keeping the various ratsnake species alive, and pure, in captivity, is the small, specialized, dedicated hobbyist. Does it really matter what the big guys do? The dedicated "purist" is going to do his thing no matter what anybody else does or says!
Where are our real problems anyway? If it's true that there won't be any imports from certain countries a short time from now, we have a problem. Certain species will die out in the hobby as Soe has stated. The dedicated herpetoculturist must choose his animals to save and do everything he/she can to preserve the integrity of that species. This includes maintaining their own special line and being in cooperation with any other culturalists who take care of the same species, so genetic diversity survives also.
Another possible problem is that aviation regulations may soon forbid shipping of reptiles, but that's not as big a problem. Getting animals would still be possible. But we must collect animals we need for our projects before they stop coming into our countries.
Soe has mentioned that we work together, maybe make some kind of coalition of like-minded individuals to further our cause and help each other. I think things like that have already begun. I have made many friends working with Elaphe and similar ophidians. There has been much cooperation. Not too many are interested in making huge profits. Most are dedicated to their hobby.
Several have made very interesting suggestions. For instance, consider the proposal by Adam Song to start his group which would list snakes of its members and give pedigrees to animals with the best characteristics, genes, etc. I think this is a good start.
In talking with my wife this morning, she mentioned getting a grant to help fund a group who's purpose is to maintain and preserve certain species in captivity. In this way we could be a non-profit organization, and maybe get backing from some noteworthy organizations, like National Wildlife, etc. Thought I'd throw that out there in case anyone wanted to try to use this idea.
I believe it has been mentioned, I think it was K. D. Schulz, that in Germany some herpetologists work closely with the professionals, zoos, or universities. If we had an organization, rather than just doing our thing as individuals, maybe there are a lot of things we could try.
I am very sympathetic to the cause which Adam and Soe are talking about, and which very many others also believe in. I would also like to see conservation work being done in select areas, like the project by the Nature Conservancy in Yunnan, China. I have a pen-pal that is participating in that project and also works with the Chinese government in protecting other sites, and trying to restore the natural habitat. We should involve ourselves totally to the animals we love and protect their natural habitat also. Plus I like the idea, Soe, of the website for everybody who has these species. Rex Knight and Sacha Korell have started a site, and they show species held by both persons. We should have a site to hold species from anyone interested. I vote for this.
Let's get off our butts and vote. How about it folks? TC.
