USFWS is adding more non native species, including the egyption tortoise, to the ESA list. https://usark.org/2021-esa-kleinman...7u8JjRDlfNmAMcOiw4z1WoluODI3fc9QaV_rGTTa-2s-0
Adding non-native species (like the egyption tortoise) hampers preservation of the species.
It lessens the drive to captive breed them to a degree. Why produce so many, if its more difficult to legally get rid of them. Look at hamiltonii in states with a big population, some people are stuck with so many extras that I've seen them for $25.
It makes maintaining or increasing genetic diversity harder. I'm stuck with 4 unrelated radiata, no one I know of breeds them in my state, and with the current climate in USFWS I have no hope of getting a CBW permit.
We have CITES, the Lacey act and other laws that actually do more to protect non-natives.
Native species I can understand and even agree with. Non natives are not at risk of poaching, as they just don't exist in the wild here.
Adding non-native species (like the egyption tortoise) hampers preservation of the species.
It lessens the drive to captive breed them to a degree. Why produce so many, if its more difficult to legally get rid of them. Look at hamiltonii in states with a big population, some people are stuck with so many extras that I've seen them for $25.
It makes maintaining or increasing genetic diversity harder. I'm stuck with 4 unrelated radiata, no one I know of breeds them in my state, and with the current climate in USFWS I have no hope of getting a CBW permit.
We have CITES, the Lacey act and other laws that actually do more to protect non-natives.
Native species I can understand and even agree with. Non natives are not at risk of poaching, as they just don't exist in the wild here.