Why would exporting have to be strict and severely regulated? Because everything to do with wildlife in Australia is and this would be no exception. Why can't it be open to free trade when it comes to exporting live captive born reptiles? Because most people (not all) don't want to. Can you respect that? Costa Rica is up there in strictness when it comes to exporting reptiles, but I can think of two people, right now, off the top of my head that can export Bushmasters which aren't the most common of all animals, and I don't think there are any limits for captive born reptiles being exporting out of Costa Rica. Well, good on Costa Rica - this is Australia. I understand your argument about people going out and collecting wild caught specimens and then legally exporting them, but come on! Let's get real! You get real! Do you honestly think it would make THAT big of a change in Australian ecosystems? What's to say that certain areas of Australia are over populated with certain species that there are no natural predators for. Which ones? You have no idea what you're talking about again. I've heard of record catches of Tiger Snakes over populated in certain areas. You have heard crap. Tigers have been in decline for 3 decades now. What's the problem with controlling some of the over populated species? ???? There are non! Or is Australia absolutely 100% perfect with no over-population problems or inbalance in natural ecosystems with no introduced exotic or invasive species? GIVE ME A BREAK! Do us all a favor and GIVE US A BREAK. The amount of money in permits alone from eager reptile exporters would yield high financial rewards for the government. Stuff the government, they do very little for us so ... Any Tom, Dick, or Harry should be allowed to export reptiles if they so choose. Why shouldn't they? If they pay for a permit to do it, than have at it. Christ! Would you like to become Australian PM?
Gillsy, you said that alot of your Australian reptiles are already in danger from poaching and habitat loss. What makes you think that your scenario is any different than the rest of the world's? Common sense would. As far as legends, such as Steve Irwin legend? Maybe in America., are concerned almost all animals in all countries are in danger from poaching and habitat loss. That's why we have CITES and other organizations. That is one reason why we look after these animals in captivity and try to breed them. There might come a time in this world where all the wild habitat is damaged. What happens then? Do we just accept the loss? I believe captive breeding is going to save many species from threat, endangerment, and/or extinction. It already has saved some species. Zoological programs are not the only anwer. It wasn't until the 1960's or so that American Zoos started captive breeding and trying to do well by reptiles. Before then they relied on smugglers to bring them new specimens and an animal that died was no big deal. It could be replaced by the next smuggler that came in with his catch.
As far as the legalities of exporting from Australia for non-commercial purposes, where does it say that you have to be a ZOO? None of the research that I have done has said anything about a ZOO. Do some more research.
To all: nowhere in my original post did I say anything about importing reptiles into Australia so I don't know why that took such a drastic turn towards the introduction of disease and the fall of customs and quarantine.
Invasive Species/Escaped Exotic Species: They blame Burmese Pythons for damaging certain species of rodents that are native to the Everglades. This seems to be a huge topic that people often like to bring up. There is a little bar/pub along the highway to the Everglades that has a huge colony of feral cats there. They did some studies on these cats to see why the wild native populations of rodents were decreasing so drastically. They thought it was the fault of the Burmese Pythons but in fact it was the cats that took their toll. And who's to say that Burmese Pythons haven't helped control other invasive exotic species that have been introduced before them such as nutria (large rodent from S.A.)? My point being that what is commonly believed by all these "eco-experts" out there isn't always true. The cane toad isn't a reptile by the way. It's an amphibian. Chameleons in FL? Are you kidding me? "Watch out folks, the killer chameleons are on the prowl". What wild populations are they going to destroy, crickets and roaches? The Everglades are your problem - deal with it instead of telling us what we should do.
If there is already a $350 million business in fish, than just imagine what the reptile trade would bring! Money is everything to you, isn't it? It's behind every reason you have put forward so far.
Reptilian K-Man: fortunately which reptiles YOU want to be exported out of Australia really doesn't matter because on the grand scheme of things, you are just one person with one opinion. And so are with your ideas. The world doesn't revolve around you. Of course not, you are the one. And you are wrong, there are several species and localities of Australian reptiles that are unavailable to hobbyists, collectors, and breeders or just way too expensive here which means that the doors would open to the Australian exporters.
"we wouldnt make that much money as u only need one successfully mating pair to breed"??? One mating pair is going to supply the demand of the whole world? I think NOT!
"there was a study done a few years ago. It showed that if galahs and cockatoos were legally exported instead of being shot Evidence? the minimum profit for the department was $35,000,000 per annum" Why can't the same happen for reptiles? Think of all the people that kill snakes. Reward for live snake-$50. It might slow down the instant death shovel in the garden or backyard pond! The stress on animals being shipped today with IATA regulations is far less than what it used to be, even for a journey from Australia to the US. Just think of the animals that are shipped to Australia for zoos and vice versa.