For quite some time now, I’ve been mulling this topic and finally sat down to being putting it all to paper, of sorts.
There are many established localities of North American Colubrids in the world of herpetoculture today, from the wide world of Kingsnakes to Corn snakes and the genus Pituophis. Some of which have a rich history in our hobby/industry and others are outright rare or now protected from collection by conservation law.
And today in herpetoculture, countless anomalous color and pattern ,morphs are bred and combined with other to create new genetic expressions of these traits, all to the delight of many a reptile enthusiast.
But there is a small group of herpetoculturists that focus on working with bloodlines that generally do not include these color morphs or genetic anomalies but instead choose to keep lines that maintain locality purity, preserving natural genetic traits and in many cases, preserving them entirely in captivity for the benefit of newer generations of locality reptile enthusiasts….and maybe even reintroduction. This is doubtful however I would like to believe that if needed to save a species/subspecies/locality, it is always possible.
These meandering thoughts led me to ask the question…what if some of the more successful breeders of morph colubrids took up just one “pet” locality project simply to keep these lines alive in herpetoculture?
For morph snake breeders, maintaining at least one locality pure colubrid project is not just a nod to conservation but also an investment in genetic and ecological diversity. Locality pure lines represent distinct populations adapted to specific regions, often displaying unique traits that could be lost if diluted through crossbreeding. By dedicating efforts to preserve these rarer locality lines, breeders contribute to the longterm survival of these populations in captivity, safeguarding them against habitat loss or other ecological threats in the wild. Moreover, these projects hold some educational and scientific value, offering insight into the natural history and evolutionary processes of the species. Having such a project also appeals to collectors and enthusiasts who value locality specific animals, potentially broadening a breeder’s audience while demonstrating a commitment to conservation and responsible breeding practices. It’s a way to preserve the past while shaping the future of herpetoculture.
What are the benefits of maintaining locality pure snake projects?
Maintaining locality purity offers several significant benefits, particularly for the herpetocultural community and conservation efforts. Locality pure snakes preserve the genetic integrity of distinct populations, reflecting their natural traits and characteristics adapted to specific regions. This not only helps to maintain biodiversity but also ensures the availability of a genetic reservoir that might just be valuable for future conservation programs or reintroduction efforts. Locality pure breeding can also uncover subtle yet fascinating variations in appearance, behavior, or environmental tolerance, which may be lost through outcrossing to other localities. Furthermore, these projects hold historical and scientific importance, providing insight into the evolutionary paths and ecological roles of species. some lines have names accociated with them like Lemke, Thompson, Lazik and Lanzi,with many lines going back over 30 years. From a breeder's perspective, locality pure snakes appeal to collectors and enthusiasts who value the authenticity and uniqueness of animals true to their natural origins, enhancing the reputation of responsible and ethical breeding practices. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to both ecological preservation and the sustainability of herpetoculture.
Maintaining locality pure bloodlines in captivity can also play another role. Some species are from regions that now protect them by law to ensure their survival in nature. So it is vital to keep these captive lines going for several reasons. Firstly, once an area becomes legally protected, collecting animals from those localities are typically prohibited, which means the captive populations left before these laws are enacted, become the only link to preserving the unique genetics of that species from that region. These bloodlines serve as a living archive of the natural diversity that exists within the species, ensuring that the traits specific to those localities—such as color patterns, size variations, or environmental adaptations—are not lost to time. Additionally, these captive populations can play a crucial role in future conservation efforts. If habitat restoration or reintroduction programs become viable, having locality specific bloodlines can contribute to maintaining the ecological balance and evolutionary integrity of those regions. Lastly, preserving these bloodlines fosters a deeper appreciation for the ecological and genetic significance of protecting wild populations, promoting ethical practices among breeders and hobbyists while safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.
So in conclusion, I’d like to perhaps offer up a challenge of sorts to my fellow herpetoculturists out there. Those friends that spend their days mulling over their collections of exotic pythons, boas, colubrids and colubroids (homage to ZL), maybe take the time to sit back and think about the species that may have first brought you to enjoy the wonderful world of reptiles. Some of you already know, for me, it was the Speckled kingsnake in the “wilds” of New Orleans as a child. And it was Speckled kingsnakes that brought me into in the world of locality colubrids again as an adult. What if, just what if, everyone working with so many others amazing species, could pick up one locality of a species that holds that sentimental place in their heart and culture them for future generations to be able to enjoy? I may be a bit biased in saying this but I think it’s a fantastic idea.
What do you say?
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