DBT Conservation?
- This topic has 3 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 25 years, 6 months ago by
.
-
Posts
-
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?
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
Phil, I respect and agree with most of your views. I think you may be jumping to conclusions on the status of wild collection. The Tampa bay region was hit heavily by pollution, pet trade, and scientific research collectors in the 1970s and 80s. Most dbt populations in west FL are well hidden from developement. I know of a few populations that appear stable. I do not reveal or acknowledge such info to anyone without them acknowledging the locality to me first. The macrospilotas and key west populations (for what ever subspecies they decide) are two that are not seen in trade often. There are captive bred turtles that will be available in years to come, of at least the macrospilota. I am not aware of anyone or group that has more than 2 or 3 adult pairs. I am contacted every year by several groups and individuals looking for these turtles. You probably won’t find any wild caughts of this subspecies in trade. There is a major difference between conservationists/scientists that actually do field studies and “conservationists” that may have seen a picture of one once and are determined to protect them by screaming at anyone with one. I have only had to deter or relocate racoons on a few occasions from urban areas. I have been fascinated with the 10 000 island area for a few years. I would like to be in on some of the venture if time permitted. Scott — In diamondbackterrapins@egroups.com, allman_p
Scott, Thanks for the info… I’ll keep you posted on our surveys in the 10,000 islands. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is now establishing a permit and is doing some general information searching. We are also trying to get in touch with some local crabbers that catch them in traps….just to get an idea of where they may be. I’ll be happy for you to join us on some of the surveys once we get things established. I’ll keep you updated!! Phil Allman Environmental Specialist Collier County Natural Resources Naples, Florida 34112 —–Original Message—– From: Scott Howard [mailto:howarsc@…] Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2000 2:03 PM To: diamondbackterrapins@egroups.com Subject: [diamondbackterrapins] Re: DBT Conservation? Phil, I respect and agree with most of your views. I think you may be jumping to conclusions on the status of wild collection. The Tampa bay region was hit heavily by pollution, pet trade, and scientific research collectors in the 1970s and 80s. Most dbt populations in west FL are well hidden from developement. I know of a few populations that appear stable. I do not reveal or acknowledge such info to anyone without them acknowledging the locality to me first. The macrospilotas and key west populations (for what ever subspecies they decide) are two that are not seen in trade often. There are captive bred turtles that will be available in years to come, of at least the macrospilota. I am not aware of anyone or group that has more than 2 or 3 adult pairs. I am contacted every year by several groups and individuals looking for these turtles. You probably won’t find any wild caughts of this subspecies in trade. There is a major difference between conservationists/scientists that actually do field studies and “conservationists” that may have seen a picture of one once and are determined to protect them by screaming at anyone with one. I have only had to deter or relocate racoons on a few occasions from urban areas. I have been fascinated with the 10 000 island area for a few years. I would like to be in on some of the venture if time permitted. Scott — In diamondbackterrapins@egroups.com, allman_p
- The forum ‘Diamondback Terrapins’ is closed to new topics and replies.