Sean_L
Not so new Member
Hi Lawra, I agree that its not the best solution. The best solution for native reptiles is the wild. However, in my opinion, large enclosures like this are the best option for keeping captive animals in as close to a natural setting as anyone can manage (beyond owning 100 of acres of natural habitat and rabbit/dog/cat proof fencing it. Although this would only suit species native to that kind of environment).
In terms of suburbia, butters' balance of reptile conducive backyards and neighbourhood awreness are of course fantastic steps towards ensuring the survival of native species. However, it only benefits the native species that live in that area. If you want to insure (that may be all it is, insurance) against the permanent loss of a species, say N. levis pilbarensis, youre going to have to create a modified habitat within the space that you have available. And of course this is what people already do by keeping reptiles in captivity, inside or in smaller pits. Im only saying that Id prefer to keep them in as large a 'naturalistic' enclosure as possible where they can mingle as they please, breed as they will and hunt and find food in a more natural manner. This is just my opinion. Im sure some will disagree. Thats ok.
As we've decided in this dicussion, this of course does nothing to help native populations, as it seems most dont beleive that it would be vialbe to repopulate habitats with these animals (although the link provided by Andy might suggest otherwise). And indeed that may be so.
Regardless of the animals' suitability, the habitat mightn't exist itself anymore anyway.
But Id rather have the animal preserved in as close a natural fashion as possible for future generations. Thats just how I feel.
Others are free to do as they please, but itd be comforting to me to know that at least a few individuals had chosen to keep animals in the manner. I know of a few. Id just like to see more.
To put it simply, a backyard sized box is better, in my opinion, than a platic tub sized box.
Just in case, Ill make it clear.......... Im not knocking how others keep their reptiles.
Andy, thanks for that link. Its a great concept that will hopefully do some good in suitable areas. All I can say is that I would see 'my' style of enclosure as the step before release. A captive environment that is a 'mini natural habitat' is surely a good stepping stone towards release into the wild, when compared to a rack system. (Once again, Im not knocking rack systems, only in the sense that they probably arent the best thing to keep your reptiles in if you intend to release them into the wild at some point)
Thanks Andy.
In terms of suburbia, butters' balance of reptile conducive backyards and neighbourhood awreness are of course fantastic steps towards ensuring the survival of native species. However, it only benefits the native species that live in that area. If you want to insure (that may be all it is, insurance) against the permanent loss of a species, say N. levis pilbarensis, youre going to have to create a modified habitat within the space that you have available. And of course this is what people already do by keeping reptiles in captivity, inside or in smaller pits. Im only saying that Id prefer to keep them in as large a 'naturalistic' enclosure as possible where they can mingle as they please, breed as they will and hunt and find food in a more natural manner. This is just my opinion. Im sure some will disagree. Thats ok.
As we've decided in this dicussion, this of course does nothing to help native populations, as it seems most dont beleive that it would be vialbe to repopulate habitats with these animals (although the link provided by Andy might suggest otherwise). And indeed that may be so.
Regardless of the animals' suitability, the habitat mightn't exist itself anymore anyway.
But Id rather have the animal preserved in as close a natural fashion as possible for future generations. Thats just how I feel.
Others are free to do as they please, but itd be comforting to me to know that at least a few individuals had chosen to keep animals in the manner. I know of a few. Id just like to see more.
To put it simply, a backyard sized box is better, in my opinion, than a platic tub sized box.
Just in case, Ill make it clear.......... Im not knocking how others keep their reptiles.
Andy, thanks for that link. Its a great concept that will hopefully do some good in suitable areas. All I can say is that I would see 'my' style of enclosure as the step before release. A captive environment that is a 'mini natural habitat' is surely a good stepping stone towards release into the wild, when compared to a rack system. (Once again, Im not knocking rack systems, only in the sense that they probably arent the best thing to keep your reptiles in if you intend to release them into the wild at some point)
Thanks Andy.