While some in the academic community
feel that our hobby being involved in conservation is an oxymoron many others have another view . We need to look at
several issues to show every reason why this hobby MUST be involved .
Habitat distruction is the biggest issue we face today . Some species live on only a very small amount
of land . This is because a micro climate special to one area in the world developed . In these micro climates some very special
animals developed . These animals developed certain trates over many centuries that would best preserve their species . If
that one unique place in the world is lost due to urban sprawl or farming then the animals living there will most likely not
be able to adapt and in short order be lost to us forever .
Our hobby can play a very important part in herptile conservation . Breeding these special animals
in captiveity is one way that can very well save animals in the greatest need .
What the hobby should also do is share any new husbandry information with the academic community . Such info
should further conservation efforts . Urgeing world goverments to do more to save habitats in their respective part of the
world . Such a move is always a tuff job but if more people stand up for the environment then better ways of farming and living
can be employed . It will not be easy but we must do our part as responsible pro or private herpetologest to save our worlds
reptiles and amphibians .
