Conservation and Herpetoculture In a recent article someone asked should new species that are discovered be kept secret. Without reading the actual article personally but recognizing the photo of the Lao newt Laotriton laoensis and knowing the background of the discussion; I would tend to agree that the decision is well founded to keep the […]
Edward Drinker Cope originally described this species in 1861. According to the references, there are either four species or one with a few different subspecies. The accepted scientific name currently held by most is Charina trivirgata. To my knowledge, this is a genus still in flux with one taxonomist questioning the findings of another and so on; for the sake of argument, I will go with what I can see with my eyes.
There might be two species when looking at wild coloration. As for the six locality species, which some people are selling, I am not buying into it. I have been in the field for many years and have never seen one that would lead me to believe that there are that many species, with any discernable differences or traits that they would pass on to their offspring. I have viewed many websites, but one in particular caught my attention. It listed six different species of rosy boa (Charina spp.), some of which I hadn’t heard of before. Looking at the photos posted there, I saw the same species name listed numerous times, but the snakes themselves had a little change in pattern or color. It was claimed in the text that these were various locality species. To my knowledge, this has never been questioned, nor has it been a proven trait in the wild.
I go to a lot of shows and shops every year. Rarely do I hear the seller ask about the customers experience in the particular species they are purchasing. The onus is presumed by the buyer I agree. But shouldn’t we do our part as a seller of reptiles to make sure that the purchaser of our reptiles knows what they are getting in to when purchasing a reptile? Do we worship the all mighty dollar of the sale too much?
