I to would be inclined to keep a bag upon my head and hide; in shame...'old school'..I'd prefer 'old fool'.... rhymes
It's interesting that you; among others; often resort to the use of fortune tellers;
and their abilities to foresee the future with the possibilities of captive release...
I hope your right in foresight; however if and whenever the need arise;
would it be not be beneficial to try and maintain pure blood lines within the hobby to the best of our ability?
Are we as an Australian community of reptile enthusiasts to show concern and forward thinking;
and attempt to grasp an understanding of our own locality morelia morphs before treading where others have done before?
As you hide behind your mask; ask yourself whether you have a sound knowledge of the complexities associated with breeding hybrids;
and their future impact on the hobby?...do you even care?...have you thought it through?
Will you; and others who share your view; claim any responsibility for your actions when the hobby is riddled with hybrid morelia forms;
that only confuse the amateur; resembling nothing more then two animals that share traits seen to occur naturally; in both locality forms?
'Scare- mongering'... I think not.
We have all seen that captive breeding/propagation has proven useful towards the restocking and replenishing of all forms of flora and fauna;
for many years both in Australia and overseas ....
Will the need to do so ever happen with our various locality forms morelia? maybe not....however;
a simple change in legislation or powers to be; possible is it not?
Disease's such as OMPV; habitat destruction etc; are a very real issue's when considering the impact on locality forms...
The reality is; the need to do so may very well arise; as I'm sure you'd agree?
Having said that; I'm sure you'd also realise some of these locality forms already face an uncertain future; as their distribution
is already fragmented; and for the most part are poorly understood...eg names such as 'Cape York' carpet spring to mind.
To take it upon yourself to produce these hybrids/crosses; shows a blatant disregard for our unique fauna; and IMO; to knowingly do so is criminal!!!
It's unbelievable; that those responsible for licensing regardless of state; allow those like yourself to carry out such foolish practises blatantly...
One can only hope that those in positions of influence; are to be seen to possess a balanced view; knowledge and skills required;
to allow the industry/hobby as whole; towards taking 'positive' steps with regards the future of reptile keeping within this country; and it's management.
How does the 'slap-stick' creation of hybrids help further the hobby?; or advance our knowledge of Australia herptafauna?
Am I correct in thinking hybridisation is pursued by novices that wish only to line their pockets through random experimentation;
rather then just wanting to create a desirable colour form?....there's no other excuse to do so is there?
I'm sure we all as reptile enthusiasts can appreciate a beautiful colour form regardless of purity; but at what cost?
The introduction of the web for the most part; has allowed hobbyist's to come together to share and trade information freely;
which I believe has helped considerably in our understanding towards breeding the many locality forms available these days...
The last few years has seen many stunning locality forms bred for both colour and pattern; with some surprising results...
What more do you want?...
In relevance to this thread; nice Jag's QM....good job in your sly approach towards introducing them into the Australian reptile scene;
shame where not all easily baffled with BS.....have a nice day