Breeding and Conservation Questions

[martin-bernstein]

So I'm getting more and more interested in the idea of breeding native species of reptiles, birds and other smaller animals that are threatened and/or endangered. As I currently live in an apartment in Manhattan I don't have the space or resources to undertake extensive breeding programs, but in a few years, with more time, more space and hopefully much more knowledge on relevant subjects, I'd like to breed native species and reintroduce them to areas where they were once abundant but are no longer found. Of course, I know it is not as simple as that- there are reasons why they are no longer found in some areas- pollution, construction, poaching etc, so I'd like to know more about how breeding and releasing is done, and how to do it in a systematic and sustainable way.
My questions are:
Does anyone on the forum have experience with breeding and releasing?
What legal issues are there surrounding breeding native endangered animals (licences, permits etc.)?
Are there any good online resources to learn more about this type of conservation work?
Thanks for all comments. I wanna do this right if I'm gonna do this at all so I'd best start learning now.

 

[Kokopelli]

I suggest you first try and check your state's specific legislation in regards to keeping wildlife. From there you can try and contact an existing organization that may provide you with the proper tools to get you started- be it by working with them to some extent and so on... preservation work is something which needs to be anchored by law and I don't believe many individuals get the permits to actually do so... but organizations rather.

 

[martin-bernstein]

?תודה. איפה בארץ אתה גר

 

[tyflier]

There is typically a lot of bureaucratic BS to go through...lots of red tape and hoops through which you are expected to jump before permits are granted.

My recommendation would be to start with local wildlife agencies, and look into rehabilitation programs and facilities you can get involved in, work on getting a rehab permit, which will allow you to rescue, rehab, and release native species within an established organization or facility, and than work on getting your own center established. Once you are established as a rehab and release facility, it will be easier to get your re-introduction permits.

I would expect a ton of paperwork and facilities inspections before any re-introduction and propogation permits are granted...

Good Luck!

 

[Butch]

I've always wanted to do this with Eastern Indigo's in Florida but they are illegal to own here unfortunately

 

[ComoxCorn]

Most propagation of endangered species are done under state issued permits. Requirements generally include the seed stock to be of the naturally incurred genetics within the population that you wish to enhance.
I was fortunate enought to obtain a permit to rear Merriam turkeys for release within the province of Alberta. There were a ton of bureaucratic hoops to jump through. My seed stock had to be of pure strain, with blood samples provided, free of innoculants of any kind, whether orally or intravenously. The stock had to be disease free, free range and undomesticated. Release locations were chosen by Alberta Fish & Wildlife. I had to sign off that no birds would be released unless given the OK by F&W and that I would only release to areas they designated. This was a pilot project to introduce Merriam turkeys into two specific locations. Happily, I can say this project has been a success, as there is now a self sustaining population of wild turkeys in the province of Alberta.

 

[martin-bernstein]

Thanks Tyflier and ComoxCorn for your input. I'm going to look into the permits required and perhaps volunteer some time at a local rehab facility if I can find one.
ComoxCorn, your Merriam Turkey project sounds so cool! That's fantastic that it's been such a success.