So this is just something I've been thinking about, and I don't really have an answer or opinion because I guess maybe I don't have enough information, so I wanted thoughts from the experienced guys and gals on here. I see a lot about how turtle/tortoise hobbyists are helping with conservation efforts, like the TTPG. My question is how are hobbyists really helping with conservation efforts? Zoos and groups like the Darwin Foundation save and breed and may release certain species back into the wild, but I haven't really heard of hobbyists breeding any endangered species except for the Egyptian tortoise which is still quite rare as far as I'm aware, and I haven't heard of any hobbyists helping to repopulate in the wild at all. I guess the only real example I have of conservation is seeing the California Desert Tortoise being taken in by so many, but I haven't really heard of wild repopulation efforts.
Further, it's difficult for me, as I'm sure it is for all of you, to see people giving up their torts because they get too big, or they are bored with them, or worse--they just die because of improper care. I know this happens with all animals, but as far as conservation efforts go, I just find it difficult to understand how hobbyists are helping the torts when the babies are then sold as pets and many are not properly cared for.
I have three cherryheads ranging from 4 months to 1 year and 4 months in age. They are still babies, but they seem happy and outgoing and are thriving well. I know I will have them for the rest of their lives. I waited a long time to get them until I could properly care for them. Within the next few years, I will be buying a small ranch property, 5+ acres, and they will have plenty of room. I want to acquire more when I do have more room, and I would like to contribute to conservation efforts. I already do in so much that I am raising my son who turns 4 next month to appreciate tortoises and teach him how to care for them properly. (He loves them already even though I still don't let him hold them yet.) I also talk to people about tortoises all the time and inform them about the care they need and how rash decisions to purchase them as pets is really detrimental to them more often than not.
So in sum, the real question, more or less, is how can hobbyists truly contribute to conservation efforts?
Further, it's difficult for me, as I'm sure it is for all of you, to see people giving up their torts because they get too big, or they are bored with them, or worse--they just die because of improper care. I know this happens with all animals, but as far as conservation efforts go, I just find it difficult to understand how hobbyists are helping the torts when the babies are then sold as pets and many are not properly cared for.
I have three cherryheads ranging from 4 months to 1 year and 4 months in age. They are still babies, but they seem happy and outgoing and are thriving well. I know I will have them for the rest of their lives. I waited a long time to get them until I could properly care for them. Within the next few years, I will be buying a small ranch property, 5+ acres, and they will have plenty of room. I want to acquire more when I do have more room, and I would like to contribute to conservation efforts. I already do in so much that I am raising my son who turns 4 next month to appreciate tortoises and teach him how to care for them properly. (He loves them already even though I still don't let him hold them yet.) I also talk to people about tortoises all the time and inform them about the care they need and how rash decisions to purchase them as pets is really detrimental to them more often than not.
So in sum, the real question, more or less, is how can hobbyists truly contribute to conservation efforts?