Livestock Import Permits

So busted. I was trying to focus on a particular aspect without going into detail, so painted with a broad brush.

Anyway....the point I was thinking of....

There are many species of threatened or endangered species and/or naturally occurring morphs & forms for which the captive bred population exceeds that in the wild. Likely candidates (without researching the figures) include: snow leopard, black palm cockatoo, dozens of herps, and hundreds of aquarium fish. In the case of herps and fish, it's the hobby enthusiasts, not the federally recognized zoos, that have ensured species (and form) continuity while the wild populations are destroyed by encroachment.

One may cite the snake problem in Florida, or the Snakeheads, which certainly are a concern. But note that these were releases of animals approved for import/ breeding. It is highly unlikely they were bred, or released, by the true fanatics. Meanwhile, one can cite USFWS / US Gov complete screw-ups such as the allowed importation of grass carps and Gypsy moths. On top of that, throw in the intentional releases to counter a current threat; rumors abound that the Saturnid population decrease is a result of predator release by USFWS to counter Gypsy moths.

There are, to my knowledge, no ecological threats resulting from the illegal import of herps or fish by fanatics. I use the term fanatic, as these are the serious hobbyists, often solely focused on breeding a rare species, and possessing knowledge that exceeds that of USFWS (who have been documented to fail to keep seized animals alive), zoos, and professionals. Some of these animals, illegally imported, have been introduced into the general hobbyist trade (e.g. bearded dragons) to the point that the species as a whole is perfectly safe.

Anecdotally, recall the guy who was breeding a rare US papilio (kaibabensis was it?). Though done with the worst of intentions, the fact is that he had accumulated an impressive volume of live, breeding specimens. Arguably, it may have exceeded the wild population. Of course, in a typical scenario which could be entitled "When A-Holes Collide" USFWS seized and lost the captive population.

Much ado is made about the threatened Fijian iguanas. The solution is simple- give a couple pair to fanatic herp breeders in USA. In ten years they will be available at the pet store. Of course we have concerns about genetics and such, but the species will be secure.

I'm not saying it's always a good idea. I was at the home of the mayor of Honiara on Guadalcanal when he told me he intended to import live Alexandrae to breed and sell. I was mortified, given the likeness of the flora of Popondetta and parts of Guadalcanal. I tried to convince him it was a very, very bad plan. Whether by my influence or not, it never happened. That said, most of us know what's happening to the region around Popondetta while the world's supposed Eco agencies turn a blind eye. Why not allow a butterfly zoo to import and specialize on Alexandrae? That would ensure a surviving population.

The fact remains that whether it's killifish or some ultra-rare radiated tortoise, illegally imported and bred live specimens have ensured survival of the species. This has been done by fanatics, not government, and often not zoos, or research facilities.

We can swap horror stories of real and potential eco threats by escaped or released specimens, but I think those arguments can be matched 1:1 with like stories where Eco and government agencies screwed up.

The world has species threatened, most of them by loss of habitat. Nobody cares to actually do anything about it. Some of those species can be preserved by experts who are willing, and capable, of doing so on their own dime.


Chuck