Wc
- Thread starter Rydog
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2007
- Messages
- 598
sustainable population
It's difficult to impossible to sustain a population utilizing only one pair of animals. There needs to be a significant, diverse genetic pool in order to keep a sustainable population. WIthout the genetic diversity, the population soon begins to suffer from an "eroded" genepool, as harmful genetic variations are increased in frequency through inbreeding. As keepers of a pool of animals facing environmental pressures, it would behoove us to make sure that a) there's a sufficiently large and diverse (not 1000 slings from one sac!) population of them, and b) to somehow begin tracking/recording "bloodlines". Similar to what breeders do w/ dogs, I think it would be amazingly valuable to begin keeping detailed pedigrees of our T's. Anyone doing anything along these lines?
ps. Habitat destruction AND overcollection can both contribute to declines in wild populations depending on the distribution and size of the population in question. ie. if the species has a small population size and a wide geographic distribution, it would be more succeptible to overcollection whereas a species that has a large population size but a small, specific geographic distribution would be more succeptible to habitat destruction. So you're all correct- both matter.
It's difficult to impossible to sustain a population utilizing only one pair of animals. There needs to be a significant, diverse genetic pool in order to keep a sustainable population. WIthout the genetic diversity, the population soon begins to suffer from an "eroded" genepool, as harmful genetic variations are increased in frequency through inbreeding. As keepers of a pool of animals facing environmental pressures, it would behoove us to make sure that a) there's a sufficiently large and diverse (not 1000 slings from one sac!) population of them, and b) to somehow begin tracking/recording "bloodlines". Similar to what breeders do w/ dogs, I think it would be amazingly valuable to begin keeping detailed pedigrees of our T's. Anyone doing anything along these lines?
ps. Habitat destruction AND overcollection can both contribute to declines in wild populations depending on the distribution and size of the population in question. ie. if the species has a small population size and a wide geographic distribution, it would be more succeptible to overcollection whereas a species that has a large population size but a small, specific geographic distribution would be more succeptible to habitat destruction. So you're all correct- both matter.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jun 15, 2006
- Messages
- 57
Well,as a person who imports invertebrates,reptiles and amphibians,I would like to respond.I can't honestly say I disagree too much with Rydogs' feelings.I import direct from a country known to have a diverse and poorly understood population of invertebrates.Luckily it is actually larger than what collectors and trappers know(for now at least).My main interest was actually in Geckos,one species to be exact.It had one of those reputations for a problematic existence in captivity.I spent 1/4 of my life working on changing that scenario.Now it is being bred with regularity in the past 18 months,thus reducing the need for W/C imports.I released every bit of information about my successes as well as failures,because even though I import that gecko,I would love to see it's collection in the wild,reduced drastically.I myself import very little of them now.I actually feel that way about most species,invert,reptile or amphibian.I import on a very small scale compared to most,and although I do take,or am responsible for the taking,I see how some can be upset with it.I will say this,deforestation and agriculture are very much the biggest hammers pounding this nail.I have been to the country I import from and spent several days in the jungle,and I will tell you from personal experience,there was no shortage of inverts whatsoever,but if you destroyed that forest for a Palm Oil Plantation,well then things wouldve changed immediately.I am in no way justifying what I do.I myself will continue to import in small numbers and supply knowledgeable people,offer up undescribed forms of tarantula to academia for study and taxonomic description,and heed the words of my exporter.We both agree that the more work done with the right intent,that there should be only a sporadic need for W/C infusion of new genetic material.He is already providing me with various C/B stock from his country.I have refused to import certain species of reptiles because I know they will only die.No sense in importing an animal to it's certain demise.I think there needs to be an effort by us importers to be mindful of what we have access to,and to be responsible.It won't be easy,and there are losses in this event,but it matters to me as an individual and an importer,to do the best I can with this.
I am glad this has reached someone who imports not only because of the impact they themselves would make but because I see it as a small step. I think that importers should be as careful and as knowledgeable as you. I think they should just take what they need and then maybe let the population grow back. This is a great idea, the importers should have collections maybe once every 2 years but only take a certain amount. just so that there will always be some of that species left in the wild.