[pakinjak]

Since I've learned that there are at least two distinct populations of henkeli, AND they look very different, AND got a pair of Nosy's in the summer, AND just got a pair of mainland's, I'd like to hear personal experience with crossing the locales and see offspring if you can share pics of them. Don't get me wrong, I'd like to keep my animals distinct. I'm a fan of maintaining wild-types for as long as we can in the trade, but I imagine most people don't worry about that and not everybody is aware of the distinct locales.

I'd also love to hear any other wisdom you may be able to share. Althought I've had decent success in keeping these guys, I feel like every day is an adventure in learning something new.

here's what I'm talking about-

Male, Nosy Be' type.


Male, mainland type

[luevelvet]

Thats a great looking Nosy Be male Kevin! While the mainland locale seem to display more contrasting patterns and colors, I still love the simple tones of the Nosy Be's.

You already know how I feel about crossing the locales, if it can be avoided, it should be, but it is my understanding that the majority of breeders haven't known of the separate locales, thus have "crossed" them. I mean to place no judgement, as many of these "crosses" are gorgeous beyond belief!

Cheers!

Luis

[pakinjak]

I'll let ya know for sure after the spring thaw, but I'm leaning toward male on that bottom one. I've got another one the same age to compare it with and I think there's a bulge developing, and the pattern says male, don't you think?

For everyone else's info, Luis and I have discussed this very thing recently and find we are in agreement on the matter. If the rest of the Uro world crosses them or intentionally chooses mainlands to pursue then what am I to do with mine? I think the mainlands are prettier and honestly don't care much for the looks of Nosy Be's, but there's something to be said for preserving their distinction. In ten years I don't want to be saying "oh yeah, there used to be these henkeli that had leopard pattern, but we selectively cross-bred that out of them because they weren't as pretty."

So anybody got any pics of crosses between the locales?

[rhacoboy]

I believe the Mainlands are also much larger than the Nose Be' local.
I love them all, though.
-Armen

[jadrig]

I believe I only had Nosy Be's, but my first female had a sharp contrasted Pied pattern.

If it means preserving a locale...it means inbreeding...which is great for the locale. Same goes for a specific dog breed.
If it means preserving the species...it means 'cross' breeding the locales.
I personally would not skip a breeding season waiting on a mate from the 'same' locale...although a lot of breeders pair up animals simply to get the most desirable pattern.

[pakinjak]

Joe, I don't quite get what you mean here. Preserving the look of the locale doesn't necessarily mean inbreeding, just don't breed them back to each other. I'm not talking about line breeding FOR the trait, I'm talking about NOT breeding the two together so the distinctions are lost.

Now the leopard looking animals not being the only Nosy Be' "morph" is another question entirely, and I wonder if it can be confirmed somehow.

[Elizabeth Freer]

Kevin ~

Do your henkeli females from each locale show differences similar to the posted males? Have you pictures so we can see?