Posted on 12/19/2006 5:18:21 AM PST by TheKidster
only when used in the same sentence with "bunny"
All it takes is a successful negotiation between a supplier with access to the wildlife and a buyer.
Sadly, if the price is high enough, I think even Kris Helgen, the scientist pictured with the tree kangaroo above, would give it up for a private collector. Of course, if discovered, he would later claim the payoff was a contribution to a wildlife conservation fund, or whatever, but the end result would be the same.
Of greater importance is access by collectors. Species are maintained all over the world by dedicated husbandrymen. To insure that island species do not go extinct they must be collected and propogated.
I agree with this a a great viable way to keep species extant that are being crowded out in 3rd world countries. The reptile trade here in the US started badly but I think these days it is more beneficial in that respect.
Absolutely.
All animals that are brought into the pet trade are bred in numbers beyond the ability of the wild environment to sustain them. Countless corals, for example are being reintroduceed into the South Pacific by aquaculturists in the private sector. The US government needs to take an enlightened approach to protection of species, not the reactionary destructive approach they now take. There is no question but that the private sector is the only hope for the continuation of animal and plant species.
People have a tenacious love for animals that is best exhibited by those who care for them. The inhumane philosophy that humans should not touch wild animals only guarantees their extinction.
The inhumane philosophy that humans should not touch wild animals only guarantees their extinction.
Bingo!
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