Re: DBT Conservation?

Todd, Thanks for the kind words (I actually expected more harsh responses). Dr. Roger Woods (New Jersey), whom I’m sure many on the list know of has a head starting program in Jersey. He has been incubating eggs for some time. The issue with captive breeding for purposes of wild release is the phenomenon of temperature sex determination (something I worked with for my masters degree). I have received some literature from him but it mostly dealt with his surveys in Florida. I’ll search to see if he has described his egg incubation techniques. You made a great point in acknowledging the lack of literature on diamondback terrapins. I feel the animal would probably be listed (endangered species act) if enough information was known. Isn’t it amazing that we can explore other galaxies and do so much with computers but we still do not know the breeding habits of a turtle. Roger Woods also sent me a copy of the abstracts from the recent DT workshop in New Jersey, I did not attend but as I understand many people were reporting on breeding/head start type of work. I think it is just a matter of time before the literature will be full of information. As far as Florida laws and possession, I agree that everyone will be interested in that and I will happily share the information I get once I receive it. My views of private keeping / breeding turtles…..I’m all for it. I have a beautiful snake that was captive bred and I have been so happy with it. I would encourage any research centered around creating data on breeding turtles in captivity. I think keeping any animal can be a very educational experience that also helps develop a sense of wonder for animals in general. It just bothers me when I hear people talking about capturing an animal from the wild and holding in a tank. I do not have any DT but I have no problem with keeping them (captive bred), actually I think I would like to keep a pair. They are so pretty and have such wonderful personalities. Todd, thanks for the reply…..maybe this can be the beginning of a discussion…. being a member without owning any DT…….I’m curious about… 1.) what is the status of dt in the pet trade? Has captive breeding been successful in producing a lot of DT for the pet trade? 2.) to those that do breed / incubate the eggs…at what temperature are you incubating? Are you promoting male production or female production? cheers, Phil Allman Environmental Specialist Collier County Natural Resources Naples, Florida 34112 —–Original Message—– From: Todd Stockwell [mailto:oxdrover@…] Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2000 11:17 AM To: diamondbackterrapins@egroups.com Subject: [diamondbackterrapins] DBT Conservation? Phil; I think the list’s archives give a clear idea of the members and their interests. Most of us who joined up at the beginning in September are private keepers of DBTs. I think many members are interested in captive breeding programs. We have been asking practicing biologists and conservationists to join the list. I haven’t found much scientific literature on DBTs other than the circa 1900 and 1920s materials from the USDA related to the DBT food trade and attempts at DBT “farming.” If you can make us aware of more scientific studies of DBTs, we’d appreciate it. One thing the list has proved is that DBTs are still being collected and sold for food in certain parts of the U. S. Several members have posted information regarding FLorida DBT collection and possession laws, but we’d all like to learn more if you can supply additional information. What are your views of the private keeping and breeding of turtles? To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: diamondbackterrapins-unsubscribe@egroups.com