narrow-headed garter snake

[Rushthezeppelin]

Fair enough I suppose....certainly saying these people work in close conjunction with the zoo administering the program for sure so they can help regiment the breeding and such to ensure healthiest gene pool possible. I guess you are correct in stating at that point you aren't a hobbyist though but a conservationist.

[Albert Clark]

Maybe this should be brought up as a topic with your, our, my local herpetological societies. Since they are usually associated with local universities, to formulate the best strategy to request permission to acquire specimens ( t.rufi) for a breeding program. Once a written request is agreed upon then, as a group, send copies out to local zoos, in conjunction with the university to USFWS, USARK, and any other related wildlife law enforcement agencies.

[joeysgreen]

I would also check out the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums to see if there is a current Species Survival Program for Thamnophis rufi. The coordinators of the SSP will be your best contact regarding a) what is already being done and b) what you need to do to help. If there is not an SSP yet, then contacting leading authors on the species would (use Google Scholar) be a start towards creating an SSP. Additionally, creating a facility run by your herp society (or similar) will strongly influence your bid towards helping the species by captive breeding. This means that the species is in the hands of a group and not an individual, hence factors like individual health, losing a job, moving away, losing interest etc. aren't applicable.

[Jeff B]

You guys should read the book, "The Invisible Ark, In Defense of Captivity" by David and Tracy Barker.

[guidofatherof5]

The Invisible Ark in Defense of Captivity: David & Tracy Barker: 9780978541118: Amazon.com: Books

[Eddie]

You are awesome Steve!!

[guidofatherof5]

You are awesome Steve!!

Thanks Eddie.

[joeysgreen]

lol, you should also read Stolen World, the book that shows up as additional reading