Private Herpetologists perspective

Boa constrictor

Private Herpetologists perspective of the problems with exotic reptile legislation/regulation and administrative process
- Simon Watharow President of the Victorian Herpetological Society

Introduction
The word exotic has a special meaning. In the reptile world lately it has come to mean animals that are being held either under permits or illegally. A group of keepers have explored this world, encouraged it and promoted it through a network.

While I see the fascination and wonder exotic reptiles bring I also see danger and an unwanted sense of gloom. I am not here to talk about the morals of smuggling and deliberately breeding and selling these animals to the public.

I have managed exotics in a private zoo, my best animal experience was with large cats. I never really took to the exotic reptiles. I am too involved with native reptiles.

In preparation for this talk I discussed the topic with a wide range of people hoping to get an insight into this world. I got tremendous help and opinions remarkably varied.

What is right or wrong. I read a book called Feral Future by Tim Low it gave me nightmares the tremendous influx of introduced animals and plants, is staggering, the cost enormous the changes to the environment irreplaceable. What was both disappointing and frustrating is the mistakes are never learnt from. I see a cycle of mistakes repeated. Are we doing the same.

1. Exotic Pets the benefits
Species breed easily
Stronger resilience
Better handling
Encourage a broader learning curve
Generate more interest in reptiles through community
Provide variety for keepers


2. Exotic Pets the risks
Many topics are covered already Prevention is cheaper. Lets face it who wants to divert funds from the actual conservation needs of Australia to spend on yet another pest species. We must have spent tens of millions through research, pest control and still we lose the battle. The cost of prevention is dirt cheap. Native fauna continue to receive our full attention, studies captive and field work continue at current pace without competition. All risk associated with accidental introductions, diseases in captive and field etc are minimised or non existent.

3. Lets look at some key issues to Exotic reptiles as pets in Australia.
Disease I think has been covered quite well but I will highlight areas of concern

Diseases that reptile are known to have Diseases that are carried by reptiles. They may be a host for various parasite nematodes, trematodes, mites, ticks in their place of origin. These can alter affect or compete with Australian parasites. Diseases may be infectious to other wildlife or humans What about diseases that are poorly understood or not able to diagnose readily.

Two well known parasites introduced in Australian reptiles, one is Skinworm or Spirometra erinacei a larvae of Cat tapeworm that causes lumps on frog eating snakes. This is now widespread throughout Australia and occurs in a large diversity of species.

The other is snake mite Ophionyssus natricis now a regular parasite on Blue tongues and elapid snakes around Melbourne Metropolitan.

What are the positives for exotics ?

4. Exotic reptiles criteria define what reptiles could be brought in to Australia What are the threats real or imagined Environmental, escaped pets have done damage in enough cases overseas that we know it,s a real possibility. Safety it is clearly a risk to have dangerously venomous snakes that have the potential to cause confusion and represent an unacceptable danger. As does exceptionally large Boas or anacondas. Husbandry difficulty Demand Known disease potential Boas and IBD are a case where there is an unacceptable risk of introduction to both captive and wild stock Readily bred

5. Points for legal importation
Low risk potential for escape. Species that are small, fast moving escape artists should be considered high risk. Especially when combined with high breeding frequency. Safety Always keep safety of people, domestic animals and the environment Overseas examples. Any species, which has established itself, overseas should be considered an high risk. Animals biology and ecology understood well. Have a great understanding of what this animal is about before you say sure bring them over.

6. What are the scenarios available
1. Remove all exotic species from all areas except for government approved institutions. Allow imports of proven exotics that meet a specified criteria. Leave the stand currently adopted by both private keepers and governments bodies.

7. Conditions that should be met if legal import allowed
Exotic reptiles housed separately from native herps All exotics housed indoors All individuals microchipped and DNA sample collected Quarantine at AQIS or similar no private quarantine All specimens currently held without permits or not selected or considered high risk relocated to institutions, zoos or last resort culled

8.Responsibility
Reptiles currently held illegally/on permits are the responsibility of the keepers. In your mind you cannot escape the onus for the welfare of these animals is yours. If you breed and sell them you are further responsible for the outcome if it goes against you. Hope for the best prepare for the worst.

Responsibility of the Government is to act in the best interest of the environment and habitats of Australia. While also being aware of the risks and concerns exotic reptiles place on us.

Collection and disposal of unwanted or illegal exotics. In the event, of a stalemate or alternatively a complete ban. We need to devise a way to collect all current animals. Naturally some people will refuse or desire to maintain their stocks. However we must prepare a way of protection and correct humane disposal of exotics. Fines should only be given for people who release exotics into the habitats.

Thank you for your time and thanks for allowing me to present this talk. I hope we find a responsible solution.