Herpetoculture, conservation, and propagation

Herpetoculture, conservation, and propagation

Herpetoculture is the art of breeding reptiles successfully in captivity. By breeding Reptiles in captivity you help conserve the wild populations. These animals’ may not be endangered right now but someday they might be endangered or worst extinct, and that is the wrong time to try and figure out the husbandry and breeding of that species.

Examples that I know of herpetoculture used for conservation is the many frog species released as tadpoles in areas that they no longer existed but now they do. Time will tell how well these programs are working. There are many other species of reptiles and non-reptiles that are to numerous to list here that have been successful as well.

Propagation is the ability to reproduce any living thing multiple times. If the species you chose to breed is a popular pet species. Captive breeding programs help reduce the need of wild caught or farmed reptiles to supply pet industry. Wild caught reptiles do not adapt well to captivity, and are usually loaded with parasites that need a vet to get rid of. Always ask if your reptile is Captive born it will save you a lot of time and energy trying to keep it alive. You can use that time to enjoy your new pet. Both you and your pet are better off this way.

Exceptions to the rules. Some wild caught reptiles are necessary to help save a species and are better off left to zoos, their professional staff, and large budgets. Some other wild caught reptiles are best left to professional breeders who have the time, money and ability to do things zoo protocol won’t allow. Sooner or later these reptiles will be available as their numbers increase. So again just wait till the captive born reptiles you like are available. If you wait, then the numbers will increase and the price you are willing to pay along with the quality you deserve will most likely be available sooner than you think.

Glenn Eisel written 2009