Post by Administrator on Aug 4, 2013 15:30:52 GMT -5
Hey everyone, I recently got into a 'heated' discussion with a breeder about hybridizing snake species such as pythons and boas. I argued that forcing the animals to produce hybrids when they wouldn't naturally in the wild UNLESS the populations of both species are threatened in an area in which they co-exist. It is also very dangerous to the parents, and offspring.
Effects of hybridization (Pros & Cons):
Pros:
- Used to help stabilize a local population if they are threatened or declining for any reason
- Could provide smarter skills developed by the merging of both species (eg. Faster, easily camouflaged, etc)
- Possibly help control local pests (though usually unnecessary due to the individual species feeding in the area)
*Please note that the PROS are usually only for those born in the wild, NOT captivity! All the pros are next to useless if they are bred/born under human supervision.*
Cons:
- Could put a great deal of stress on the parents
- Very dangerous for the offspring (genetic defects, life-threatening and PAINFUL deformities, etc)
- Take up more food = less available to other animals
- Largely useless in captivity, some may not be able to breed (sterile)
- Mother snakes could die from impacting caused by the eggs being too large as they grow inside them
- A high % of hybrid offspring end up having a form of brain damage causing them a lot of pain, and in some cases rendering them helpless, and sometimes unable to function normally (can't eat on their own, trouble breathing, impaired movement, etc)
- Downright unfair to the offspring born the way they were from uneducated, and ignorant people
This is what I have found based on research and general knowledge on how hybridization usually works. I would like to hear everyone's opinion. Do you think hybridization in captivity is good, or bad? Support your answer(s) as best as you can.
*Note: Please don't get upset with each other or cause trouble. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and I would like everyone to talk about this without any issues. Respect everyone's words.*
I'm eager to see what people think!
Effects of hybridization (Pros & Cons):
Pros:
- Used to help stabilize a local population if they are threatened or declining for any reason
- Could provide smarter skills developed by the merging of both species (eg. Faster, easily camouflaged, etc)
- Possibly help control local pests (though usually unnecessary due to the individual species feeding in the area)
*Please note that the PROS are usually only for those born in the wild, NOT captivity! All the pros are next to useless if they are bred/born under human supervision.*
Cons:
- Could put a great deal of stress on the parents
- Very dangerous for the offspring (genetic defects, life-threatening and PAINFUL deformities, etc)
- Take up more food = less available to other animals
- Largely useless in captivity, some may not be able to breed (sterile)
- Mother snakes could die from impacting caused by the eggs being too large as they grow inside them
- A high % of hybrid offspring end up having a form of brain damage causing them a lot of pain, and in some cases rendering them helpless, and sometimes unable to function normally (can't eat on their own, trouble breathing, impaired movement, etc)
- Downright unfair to the offspring born the way they were from uneducated, and ignorant people
This is what I have found based on research and general knowledge on how hybridization usually works. I would like to hear everyone's opinion. Do you think hybridization in captivity is good, or bad? Support your answer(s) as best as you can.
*Note: Please don't get upset with each other or cause trouble. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and I would like everyone to talk about this without any issues. Respect everyone's words.*
I'm eager to see what people think!
