Do Only the Cuddly Count?
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For years, animals have been under protection by law, with the exception of most reptiles. Recently, more state and federal regulations have been imposed in order to help thwart the extinction of the creatures. However, conservation efforts should not be viewed as the sole responsibility of the government. While the government's money and organization lends itself well to the protection of reptiles, it lacks the enthusiasm and personal interest that will ensure reptilian protection for the future. Ironically, I believe that the same enthusiasm responsible for turning pet reptiles into an industry that endangered the existence of these animals, to be the same enthusiasm that can save them. Some efforts are already underway, but more are needed to see that we never "...look back and wonder how we could have been so shortsighted as to allow such great (animals) to slip out of our lives" (de Vosjoli "Basic Care of Uromastyx" 5). Of all the wonderful things that humankind has accomplished, saving reptiles from extinction could be one of the most rewarding achievements. Many reptiles face the stresses of the average endangered specie as well as additional problems unique to reptiles. More so than in the past, conservation for reptiles through education, research, increased regulation, and captive breeding, must become an integral part of our society's existing, natural conservation efforts.
Human fear of the unknown is the greatest of all reptile adversities. The general populous does not understand reptiles. There would be no need for conservation, "if everyone had a high level of regard..." for reptiles (Ingrasci). People have prejudices against reptiles, assuming that they are slimy, deadly, and evil. Of course, there are poisonous snakes, and all snakes have mouths that can bite, but then again, so do rabbits. People simply need to be educated before they will care about reptiles and especially before they see the need to prevent their extinction. According to the World Resources Institute,
"In the past decade, at least 34 species or unique populations of plants and vertebrates have become extinct in the United States while awaiting federal protection. Worldwide, over 700 extinctions of vertebrates, invertebrates, and vascular plants have been recorded since 1600" (Species Extinctions: Causes and Consequences).
Although I do not know how many of those were reptiles, we can be sure that reptiles have felt the stresses that those unfortunate animals did. Edward Murray makes the analogy of extinction as being similar to a bridge and its parts. Picturing an old, rusty bridge held together by iron bolts, he asks, "what difference it would make if one of the bolts were removed? Would (we) still be willing to travel across? How about two bolts? Three?" (Murray). There would come a point when the bridge would become obviously unsafe. The same conclusion can be drawn of our ecosystems. Metaphorically speaking, reptiles are very important iron bolts. With such educational efforts, eventually, people will see that reptiles directly affect our lives and must be avidly protected.
Most everyone knows that snakes eat mice or rats. Without snakes, rodents would be without one of their biggest predators, and their populations would balloon. Some farmers are glad to have snakes around to keep the rats and field mice out of their crops. Rodents can also carry disease, and without snakes, diseased mice would spread that disease. In May of 1993, there was an outbreak of a disease called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome or HPS. Research conducted by Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico found that "deer mice and pack rats occurred in greater numbers in the year of the HPS outbreak than in any year before or after" (Gibbons and Gibbons 61). According to Whit Gibbons and his wife, Anne, in their book Ecoviews, "In some areas of the Southwest, rodent numbers are held in check by the larger hawks, rattlesnakes, and bullsnakes...Eliminate snakes...increase the number of mice and rats" (62). According to Bill Hopkins of the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, reptiles may provide another benefit to humans. Increased study of reptiles in their natural habitat "could yield valuable information on cumulative exposure to toxins" because of their sometimes-extraordinary longevity (Hopkins qtd. in "Reptile Time"). Of course, not everyone will become a reptile fanatic when they learn about them, but they can become more informed. They can make better decisions concerning land development, or even more practically, swerve around, instead of toward, a snake that is crossing the road while they are driving. That may sound silly, but everyday decisions affect reptiles just as much as a law being passed.
There are some people that think that reptiles are very interesting. Unwittingly, they are part of the reason why some reptiles are in danger. They represent the demand for reptiles. They are reptile enthusiasts. Reptiles are part of a new trend in the pet industry. While reptiles have been kept in captivity for some time, in recent years, the reptile industry has grown dramatically. In his article, "The Call of the Wild Pets", Marc Santora says, "Animals with a taste for the jugular are big sellers" (Santora). He supposes that the reasons may be that people are even more stressed out these days and "at the end of the day they want to see something be torn apart" (Santora), or perhaps they "long for a bit of the wild in their concrete jungle" (Santora). For whatever reason, now, there are more reptile specimens needed to serve society's demand for a "wild" pet. Our problem lies in how this appetite in the pet industry is satisfied.
Logically, it is impossible to save an animal from extinction without research. Scientists have to extensively study the habits and habitat of an animal before they can fully understand what is stressing its livelihood. This presents a problem when dealing with reptiles because they are generally so secretive. If ever there was one snake that embodied the dilemma of endangerment by Americans, it is the Eastern Indigo snake. Dean Alessandrini, an indigo snake breeder and writer explains that "...it is difficult to proceed with many recovery efforts because of the lack of reliable surveying methods (i.e., when we find suitable habitat, we do not have effective ways to monitor populations, if they exist)" (75). Biologists Rebecca Smith, Mike Legare, and Dave Breiniger have conducted three years of research into the wild lives of indigo snakes with
donations from the Bailey Wildlife Foundation and Dynamac Corporation Environmental Services. They are using radio transmitters to track Eastern Indigo snakes through their habitat (Alessandrini 73). Their research has uncovered a list of problems:
- Years of overcollection for the pet trade
- Extermination by humans and their pets
- Rattlesnake roundups and snake hunters
- Suppression of natural fires that thin out habitat
- Road mortalities
- Habitat destruction and fragmentation (Alessandrini 72, 73).
Land development threatens all wildlife. There just doesn't seem to be enough land around as far as Americans are concerned, and all too often animals end up paying the price for the demand for more shopping malls and apartment complexes. Recently, a lawsuit between the Bureau of Land Management and four environmental groups was settled in an agreement that will protect reptile habitat in the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument (Stein). "Specially-built buggies" (Stein) will be used to look for oil in the area of the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, and "more than 1,100 sampling locations" will be moved to less intrusive areas (Stein). Under the agreement, biologists will monitor the work (Stein). These legal efforts by groups such as the Colorado Environmental Coalition help to enforce already established laws as well as to establish areas of protection. Some might argue that people are more important than animals where land is concerned. This makes sense for the most part, but when it comes to truly endangered species of reptiles, they deserve special consideration and protection must be granted to them.
It is vital that we act now to protect these animals. According to Alessandrini, "Forty years ago, indigos were extremely common in the southeastern United States" (71). Now, wild populations are alarmingly meager. Therefore, it is evident that even the most common reptile is at risk if the above threats aren't curbed. Fortunately, some states are realizing this and placing protective laws on reptiles, such as the corn snake, which as of now is "not considered threatened in nature" (Love and Love 10). For numerous species of reptiles, it is too late for preventive measures.
In an effort to halt the dwindling numbers in species such as the Eastern Indigo snake, organizations, such as the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have placed regulations on the capture and keeping of endangered reptile species. Listed as "threatened" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Eastern Indigo snake, "...cannot be sold, traded or bartered for in 'interstate commerce' without a federal permit" (Alessandrini 77). This is also true of endangered species of monitor (Bartlett and Bartlett 7), and all species of boa constrictor (De Vosjoli, Klingenberg, and Ronne 4).
The boa constrictor is an icon in the reptile industry. Although not native to the United States, its natural range does extend upward to Mexico. Taking this into consideration, American herpetoculturists have to be aware that, "All pythons and boas, including boa constrictors, are considered vulnerable by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species" (de Vosjoli, "The Boa Constrictor Manual" 4). Boa enthusiasts should know that they have the option of buying captive-bred animals.
Captive breeding is an industry that is only beginning to increase in size, but it could prove to boost the American economy. In the least, it could be "monetarily worthwhile" for some people to breed reptiles, according to Richard and Patricia Bartlett, especially when dealing with "expensive species that are not easily imported from the wild" (7).
For many species, the demand for animals as pets and for their skins far exceeds the supply that can safely be taken from the wild. In these situations, captive breeding or ranching can benefit the wild populations of the animals. Some animal rights activists might oppose ranching animals for their skins, but truly this is no different than raising cattle for their meat. As for the pet trade, captive breeding can benefit both wild animals and the enthusiast. In The Boa Constrictor Manual, the authors recommend a captive bred specimen whenever possible because they are, "...less likely to harbor disease than imported species" (15), so buying a captive specimen can be a better choice for a healthy, scaly pet. Buying captive bred reptiles also puts poachers, who would try to sell live, illegally obtained animals into the pet trade, out of business.
Poaching poses a hidden danger to reptiles. Simply put, poaching is the illegal collection of species from the wild. While legal collection sometimes puts a stress on wild populations too, poaching is worse because it is completely uncontrolled and excessive by nature. People rarely think of reptiles when they think of poaching, but worldwide, the wild populations of snake and lizards are being depleted. America is increasingly feeling the effects of poaching, which can literally decimate an area's reptile population overnight.
Figures show that in Arizona, "for every person caught (poaching), five escape detection" (Wilkinson). The Big Bend National Forest has been subject to poaching. In one incident, many were arrested and convicted, and, oddly, the group consisted of police officers, judges, and preachers (Wilkinson). There is a lot of illegal money to be made in the sale of lizards, snakes, and turtles, both protected and not, because "The demand is there, the suppliers are there, but all too often the law enforcement is not" (DeLaCruz qtd. in Wilkinson). For years, United States Customs had to monitor incoming shipments of snakes and snake-hide products. Now they are paying increased attention to what is leaving the country. The investigation in the Big Bend National Forest poaching ring found reptiles from the national preserve as far away as Europe.
The laws against poaching and illegal sale of reptiles are tough on criminals. A raid on the home of a Bedford County, Pennsylvania home found "scores of turtles, many of which were rare or endangered, and dozens of other reptiles and amphibians, from rattlesnakes to an American alligator" (Blankenship 26). Andrew Shiels, a unit leader with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, who was part of the raid said, "There was not a square in of that basement that did not have animals in it" (Shiels qtd. in Blankenship 26). In Pennsylvania it is illegal to sell endangered species, as well as any reptile or amphibian taken from the wild except for snapping turtles (Blankenship 26). Josh Tokosh pleaded guilty to charges and was fined $5000 and was sentenced to 1 and a half years of probation (Blankenship 26). Fines such as these are not uncommon. As in Pennsylvania, "many states zealously guard certain types of snakes...even the most common-looking snake" (Cooper 57, 58) with criminal penalties and fines. Laura Geigle discovered that, many times, you have to do the research yourself because even the officials aren't always certain about the laws protecting reptiles. She was eyeing a California Kingsnake in a California pet shop, but was unsure if she could buy it since it was a "native" species. The California Department of Fish and Game officer that she spoke to had no clear answer for her (Geigle). Not wanting to pay the $5000 fine for keeping a restricted species, she looked into the laws for herself (Geigle).
New laws enacted would not have to be completely restrictive. Some species are quite hardy and adaptive. Philippe de Vosjoli, a leading expert in reptile zoology does not support the prohibition of chameleon importation. While some regulation of collection and exportation is warranted, he believes, "this species is basically 'weedy', and is unlikely to be threatened by forest destruction and moderate collecting pressure" (de Vosjoli and Ferguson 9). This is one part of the solution he sees in reptile conservation for chameleons. He also supports "chameleon farms", or "large-scale managed breeding" (de Vosjoli and Ferguson 9) of chameleons, which he says, "...would satiate much of the consumer market for chameleons..." (de Vosjoli and Ferguson 9). I believe that the same farming efforts could work for other species as well.
While some wild specimens are legally obtained, buying captive-bred animals sends a message that capturing wild specimens isn't always necessary in the first place. In the case of Mountain Kingsnakes in California, according to an article in Reptiles, "Currently, there are enough keepers captive-producing this species in the United States that there should not be a need to harvest wild animals" (Staub, Merker, and Merker 59). With regulations in place, and with the help of some ambitious and responsible reptile enthusiasts, reptiles can have a chance to live peacefully in the wild, without being stolen from their habitat, and to multiply back to their original populations.
With all that humankind is capable of, I believe it is within our ability to protect reptiles from further endangerment. I think it is quite common for young people to wonder what kind of planet their children will inherit. Unfortunately, that fearful planet may metamorphosis long before the young people in our world have kids. If actions aren't taken soon, many reptiles will disappear from existence in our lifetime (Species Extinctions: Causes and Consequences). Through education, research, increased regulation, and captive breeding, humans must come to the aid of these creatures that face the stresses of the average endangered specie as well as additional problems unique to reptiles. We acknowledge the conservation needs of bears, owls, and even small rodents. Now, we have to ask ourselves, "Do only the cuddly count?"
Works Cited
Alessandrini, Dean. "The Great American Serpent: Notes on the Legal Protection, Captive Husbandry and Propagation of the Eastern Indigo Snake." Reptiles April 2002: 70-83.
Blankenship, Karl. "Poaching and the Illegal Sale of Reptiles and Amphibians." 26 Dec. 2000. 10 Oct. 2002. <http://www.fish.state.pa.us/pa_exec/fish_boat/mayju99/poaching.htm>.
Bartlett, R. D., and P. Bartlett. Monitors, Tegus, and Related Lizards: a Complete Owner's Manual. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series, Inc., 1996.
Cooper, Paulette. 277 Secrets Your Snake and Lizard Wants You to Know: Unusual and Useful Information for Snake Owners and Snake Lovers. Berkley, CA: Ten Speed Press, 1999.
De Vosjoli, Philippe. Basic Care of Uromastyx. Santee, CA: Advanced Vivarium Systems, Inc., 1992.
De Vosjoli, Philippe, Roger Klingenberg, and Jeff Ronne. The Boa Constrictor Manual. Santee, CA: Advanced Vivarium Systems, Inc., 1998.
Geigle, Laura. "Ignorance is No Excuse." Reptiles Oct. 2002: 6.
Gibbons, Whit and Anne R. Gibbons. Ecoviews: Snakes, Snails, and Environmental Tales. Tuscaloosa, AL: The University of Alabama Press, 1998.
Ingrasci, Matthew. "Conservation." The Kingsnake Enthusiast's Site. 1998. 7 Nov. 2002. <http://www.kingsnake.com/mtnking/conserv.html>.
Love, Bill and Kathy Love. The Corn Snake Manual. Santee, CA: Advanced Vivarium Systems, Inc., 2000.
Murray, Edward. "The Consequences of Extinction." Access Excellence. 1991. Woodrow Wilson Biology Institute. 25 Nov. 2002.
< http://www.accessexcellence.org/AE/AEPC/WWC/1991/extinction.html>.
"Reptile Time." Science. 290: 1679- Science Magazine. 1 Dec. 2000. American Association for the Advancement of Science. 10 Oct. 2002.
<http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/290/5497/1679a?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=reptile&searchid=1034267415410_7722 &stored_search=&FIRSTINDEX=10&fdate=10/1/1995&tdate=10/31/2002>.
Santora, Marc. "The Call of the Wild Pets: City Relishes 'Mean' Fish." New York Times. 9 July 2002. 15 October 2002.
Seward, Mark. Chat About Gilas and Beaded Lizards. 23 Feb. 1999. Kingsnake.com. 10 Oct. 2002.
<http://www.kingsnake.com/chat/seward.html>.
"Species Extinctions: Causes and Consequences". World Resource Institute. 2002. 25 Nov. 2002.
<http://www.wri.org/wri/biodiv/extinct.html>.
Staub, Rick, Gerold Merker, and Cindy Merker. "Red, White and Black: Get All You Need to Know About the Natural History and Captive Husbandry of the California Mountain Kingsnake." Reptiles January 2002: 44-59.
Stein, Theo. "Agreement settles conflict over Canyons: Search for oil and gas can begin." The Denver Post. 24 Sept. 2002. 15 October 2002.
Wilkinson, Todd. "Reptile Rustlers: stealing of reptiles for illegal sale from national parks and preserves." National Parks 70.11-12 (Nov.-Dec. 1996): 36-39.
posted by Jonathan Fashbaugh @ 8:25 PM
Hollerback Here! 2 Comments
You had me til you started referencing the Wilkinson article as a source. That article, also appearing in Time magazine, was badly flawed, poorly written, filled with unattributed quotes, unsupportable conclusions misprinted as facts and innumerable falsehoods, and slanted to that individuals agenda. It was the reason I stopped trusting the mainstream press and it's unfortunate that it is still being quoted. I am sorry it flawed your otherwise equitable post.
Jeff Barringer
kingsnake.com
I just saw that I never responded to your post. Bad form on my part. Thanks for your feedback, Jeff. I love www.Kingsnake.com, and it was an honor to have your feedback. I'll have to track down that article and give it another read. In all honesty, I can't remember exactly what I pulled from it. Thanks for your comment.