Collection of native reptiles and amphibians for the food and pet trades is a widespread issue for wild populations. There are many areas where populations have been collected out of existence. This includes areas of functional extirpation where there are not enough individuals remaining for their numbers to recover from the removal of breeding adults. Even when biologists are consistently communicating that these animals cannot sustain virtually unbridled collection, enacting protections is a highly politicized undertaking, and the needs of wildlife often lose out to the “needs” of those making a living from them.
This lesson is part of Certified Herpetological Guide. Enrollment is self-paced, with no deadline to finish (about 50 hours).
