Re: Ethics, responsibility and endangered species

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Posted by wl on July 13, 2001 at 16:13:56:

In Reply to: Ethics, responsibility and endangered species posted by doug on July 13, 2001 at 09:44:39:

The concept of breeding for reintroduction to nature sounds nice, but in reality is rarely done with herps.

There is the possibility that captive specimens could introduce ailments to any remaining populations to which the native group has no immunities. Consequently, the demise of native specimens. Secondly, the destruction of natural habitats (except for reserves) has eliminated release points where there would be a good chance for survival. Also, in regions of the world were these tortoises are still being "taken" by humans for food or other reasons is only going to result in released torts meeting an undesireable fate.

In addition, most Egyptians and others being bred in captivity though they will keep the species in existence, are propagated to be sold as pets.

Though, there are private/zoo projects such as the efforts of the Bronx Zoo over the years with radiateds and yniphoras, and projects at other zoos for vaious species, your one additional donation (though honorable) would not likely have any major affect on gene pools regarding the "saving of a species."

Nevertheless, your concern for the species is honorable and if there were more like you in the countries from where these torts are being dessimated the chances of survival in the wild would be greatly improved. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Worse yet, it is sometimes difficult to even blame the local people who contribute the the demise. They are often so poor, that using the torts for food - selling them for miniscule profits - or destroying their natural habitat so they themselves can survive (through raising crops - selling their land -etc.) is almost understandable.

What I find most objectionable are those that catch, import, or eliminate herps for reasons of personal profit with total disregard for the welfare of these animals.

Also, those buying torts (and other herps) who do so on a whim without researching how to care for them is almost as bad because the torts will rarely survive. And these are generally the market for the importers.

Sorry about being on the bandstand, but watching sales recently at shows of difficult to maintain herps to inexperienced novices (witout offering proper guidelines for care) really bothers me.

I have a friend who breeds and sells rare parrots, and will not sell a bird without having the future buyer purchase a care book first (and then making sure the person read the book and understands the animals needs). He then also gives a mini-course in the care of the birds. Maybe this isn't giving him a large profit margin, but it gives the birds a good chance for survival. Too bad the sellers rarely include husbandry guides with purchases.

Again, sorry for the long-winded response.

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: The concept of breeding for reintroduction to nature sounds nice, but in reality is rarely done with herps. : There is the possibility that captive specimens could introduce ailments to any remaining populations to which the native group has no immunities. Consequently, the demise of native specimens. Secondly, the destruction of natural habitats (except for reserves) has eliminated release points where there would be a good chance for survival. Also, in regions of the world were these tortoises are still being "taken" by humans for food or other reasons is only going to result in released torts meeting an undesireable fate. : In addition, most Egyptians and others being bred in captivity though they will keep the species in existence, are propagated to be sold as pets. : Though, there are private/zoo projects such as the efforts of the Bronx Zoo over the years with radiateds and yniphoras, and projects at other zoos for vaious species, your one additional donation (though honorable) would not likely have any major affect on gene pools regarding the "saving of a species." : Nevertheless, your concern for the species is honorable and if there were more like you in the countries from where these torts are being dessimated the chances of survival in the wild would be greatly improved. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Worse yet, it is sometimes difficult to even blame the local people who contribute the the demise. They are often so poor, that using the torts for food - selling them for miniscule profits - or destroying their natural habitat so they themselves can survive (through raising crops - selling their land -etc.) is almost understandable. : What I find most objectionable are those that catch, import, or eliminate herps for reasons of personal profit with total disregard for the welfare of these animals. : Also, those buying torts (and other herps) who do so on a whim without researching how to care for them is almost as bad because the torts will rarely survive. And these are generally the market for the importers. : Sorry about being on the bandstand, but watching sales recently at shows of difficult to maintain herps to inexperienced novices (witout offering proper guidelines for care) really bothers me. : I have a friend who breeds and sells rare parrots, and will not sell a bird without having the future buyer purchase a care book first (and then making sure the person read the book and understands the animals needs). He then also gives a mini-course in the care of the birds. Maybe this isn't giving him a large profit margin, but it gives the birds a good chance for survival. Too bad the sellers rarely include husbandry guides with purchases. : Again, sorry for the long-winded response.

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