I was wondering if a desert tortoise Gopherus agassizii or Gopherus morafkai is a species that has any commercial value? This would assume that a legally obtained and proper genetically diverse captive population existed outside the States they are naturally from. The tortoises would not be available for export to the states they have natural habitat in but may be available world wide otherwise. What makes a species of tortoise a keepable species? What makes a species not keepable? Would it be financially successful to breed Desert Tortoises and make money but should not be done for moral or ethical reasons?
I in no way am asking this with a venture in mind and do not breed any animals. I am simply curios at what tortoise keepers think because I have only had (rescued) Desert Tortoises and live in their natural habitat. They are wonderful and fun animals and I am very happy to have the opportunity to care for them. I know very little about other species or keeping them outside their natural environs.
I look forward to answers in this if anyone has any opinions.
I in no way am asking this with a venture in mind and do not breed any animals. I am simply curios at what tortoise keepers think because I have only had (rescued) Desert Tortoises and live in their natural habitat. They are wonderful and fun animals and I am very happy to have the opportunity to care for them. I know very little about other species or keeping them outside their natural environs.
I look forward to answers in this if anyone has any opinions.