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Collecting and Conservation
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by BillP on January 26, 2002
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Although you make many valid points, I feel it is a mistake to approach any subject with absolutes. Don't say "never ever". The focus on conservation is important, but let us not forget that without education and exposure to these animals, the attitude of most of the public at large would probably still be to kill all snakes on sight. I have been at least somewhat involved with herping for 30 years. I have seen attitudes change radically in that time. When I first became interested in herping, captive breeding was virtually unknown. Now, most of us buy from breeders or breed ourselves (which raises some issues as well). In order for captive breeding to remain viable, it is necessary to infuse fresh genes into the pool from time to time, and this means collecting from the wild. One thing I have given a lot of thought to is breeding for restocking of wild populations. I know there are many difficulties with this, but wouldn't it be worth looking at more? Selection of breeding stock would be very important, as it would be preferable to breed pure local strains, and that would require collecting of breeding stock from relatively close populations. I would also remind you of the far greater threat from loss of habitat. These are just my humble opinions. Just remember that it was guys like us that inspired the Steve Irwins, the O'Sheas, and the Jeff Corwins who are only now beginning to have a real influence on the attitudes of the non-herping public at large. Conservation should always be a prime concern, but let's remember where we came from and how we got this far.
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RE: Collecting and Conservation
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Anonymous post on January 26, 2002
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The REAL truth is, if someone doesn't stop the habitat destruction, there won't be any animals left to conserve.
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