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Re: Hybridization Debate V1.0
Over 8200 species of reptiles, most with a number of subspecies in the world and that does not seem to be enough. People feel the need to artificially manipulate that which has no need to be manipulated to the great detriment of the animals, which are nothing but a freak of nature (and have absolutely no scientific importance whatsoever if they do not exist in nature) and to the pet owners, who believe that they have something special. Yes, the pet owners indeed have something special: something that has no place in nature.
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No one addressed one of the saddest part of hybridization, specifically between species or genera: the number of unviable genetic freaks that die in the egg/during development or shortly after they emerge from the egg/are born live. It probably is not so bad for the ones that die during development, but think about those that are born alive or hatch. The ones that are so genetically messed up that they can not adapt to breathing air and slowly suffocate after emerging. How about those whose organs do not function correctly because of this genetic mess the 'breeders' have 'created'. These 'breeders' are not 'explorers' or 'scientists'. If they need a label, it is 'unethical', even before considering the 'greed factor' involved by the great majority.
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The entire situation is just sad: for the poor animal, for herpetoculture and for the unethical that would produce such things.
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Disaster story: They have a great number of hybrids where I live: Crocodylus porosus X Crocodylus siamensis, which was bred together for commercial interests and continued doing so because the hybrid produces a superior leather. Last year, the central flood plains had the worst floods in decades, flooding many of the crocodile farms, allowing many of the crocodiles to escape. The native Crocodylus siamensis is Critically Endangered and a docile species with no recorded unprovoked attacks; the hybrid is highly aggressive. Because of these escapes, all crocodiles are being killed outside of protected areas out of fear of the highly aggressive hybrids.
Morti: Hybrid crocodiles are mass produced for commercial purposes- multi-million dollar/year business. Pet trade also- but I have no idea why.
Last edited by mrcota : 05-09-2007 at 12:39 PM.
Reason: address an ealier post
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