2014 CITES Uroplatus Quotas

[Mother Lode Gecko]

The new quotas have been posted and they are much higher than last years quotas. Uroplatus phantasticus was 70 specimens in 2013 to 500 in 2014. Uroplatus fimbriatus was 497 specimens in 2013 and is now 1000 in 2014. As well Uroplatus sikorae was 867 in 2013 and is now 1500 in 2014. The quotas for Uroplatus ebenaui has doubled from 83 in 2013 to 150 in 2014. The Uroplatus lineatus quotas are about the same. There is a new species that has been added Uroplatus sameiti with a quota of 500 specimens in 2014. While Uroplatus henkeli was removed from the quota list this year. The new high numbers may be due to the end of the political coup Madagascar?

Cheers and Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

 

[the moof]

Actually the whole quotas across the board have increased - chameleons got a big boost with many new species added for instance. For the first time, international as well as national researchers were allowed to help to create these quotas (previously only nationals), so people like Chris Raxworthy were involved in making them as reasonable as possible.
But it may also have had something to do with the relative stabilisation of the political situation.
I'm most concerned about the U. sikorae/sameiti quotas. We know now that the traditional mode to differentiate these species (oral mucosa colour) is not a reliable distinguishing feature. Hopefully that won't matter too much though.
And I still don't like the export of U. ebenaui because we have NO idea what species it is unless it's from Nosy Be. So friends, if you plan to get U. ebenaui and breed them, make sure you get two individuals from the same locality, for maximum chance of them actually being compatible.

 

[Mother Lode Gecko]

Actually the whole quotas across the board have increased - chameleons got a big boost with many new species added for instance. For the first time, international as well as national researchers were allowed to help to create these quotas (previously only nationals), so people like Chris Raxworthy were involved in making them as reasonable as possible.
But it may also have had something to do with the relative stabilisation of the political situation.
I'm most concerned about the U. sikorae/sameiti quotas. We know now that the traditional mode to differentiate these species (oral mucosa colour) is not a reliable distinguishing feature. Hopefully that won't matter too much though.
And I still don't like the export of U. ebenaui because we have NO idea what species it is unless it's from Nosy Be. So friends, if you plan to get U. ebenaui and breed them, make sure you get two individuals from the same locality, for maximum chance of them actually being compatible.

Moof

It was a huge year from Madagascar reptile exports. I as well think it was from the new democratic elections and new Madagascar president Hery Rajaonarimampianina being nominated. In total there were 22 new species of Madagascar chameleons (genera Brookesia, Calumma, and Furcifer) added to the export quota list. After about 20 years (since 1995 with the exception of Furcifer campani in 2012) of nothing 2014 was a huge year for Madagascar chameleon exports.

I am acquainted with Chris Raxworthy. I actually had a recent conversation with him about Madagascar chameleons.

Kind Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

 

[Mother Lode Gecko]

To sustain these quotas Madagascar absolutely has got to continue to conserve as much Uroplatus habitat (Eastern Forest and Madagascar Forests in general) as possible. This is going to conserve these species and allow these species to continue to have sustainable quotas for export into the future and for next generation herpers. This should be a path that the new Madagascar president Hery Rajaonarimampianina should consider making a habit and continue to follow.

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

 

[miguel camacho!]

I always seem to miss your point you're trying to make that higher export quotas somehow help conservation of habitat.

Try reading this short account of a conversation with someone who actually lives and collects in Madagascar.

Wild-Caught in Madagascar: From forest to shoebox | Gecko Time

Collection of Malagasy wildlife seems to equate more exploitation by locals that live so impoverished that they are paid mere pennies on the dollar for the animals we pay hundreds of dollars for. And how does that go back to the forest?

It doesn't. Conservation takes place through designation and protection of habitat alongside research. Preservation of a few individuals in captivity is not conservation of a population in the wild. All we're seeing are appeased hobbyists that are largely COMPLETELY disconnected and mostly ignorant of the true population status of these animals.

I mean, it's nice to hear that Raxworthy had a role in establishing suitable export quotas for a lot of species of herps, but given the uncertain status of so many species that have yet to be teased from so-called "cryptic species" and the fact that it's certain that he has not run population viability analyses for anywhere near all of the species that made the quota, what is it really saying? I'm not trying to trash Raxworthy or his work, by any means...but he could also just be a scientist that has unintentionally gotten tied up in a biological/political $*%@storm.

 

[Mother Lode Gecko]

To sustain these quotas Madagascar absolutely has got to continue to conserve as much Uroplatus habitat (Eastern Forest and Madagascar Forests in general) as possible. This is going to conserve these species and allow these species to continue to have sustainable quotas for export into the future and for next generation herpers. This should be a path that the new Madagascar president Hery Rajaonarimampianina should consider making a habit and continue to follow.

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

I always seem to miss your point you're trying to make that higher export quotas somehow help conservation of habitat.

Try reading this short account of a conversation with someone who actually lives and collects in Madagascar.

Wild-Caught in Madagascar: From forest to shoebox | Gecko Time

Collection of Malagasy wildlife seems to equate more exploitation by locals that live so impoverished that they are paid mere pennies on the dollar for the animals we pay hundreds of dollars for. And how does that go back to the forest?

It doesn't. Conservation takes place through designation and protection of habitat alongside research. Preservation of a few individuals in captivity is not conservation of a population in the wild. All we're seeing are appeased hobbyists that are largely COMPLETELY disconnected and mostly ignorant of the true population status of these animals.

I mean, it's nice to hear that Raxworthy had a role in establishing suitable export quotas for a lot of species of herps, but given the uncertain status of so many species that have yet to be teased from so-called "cryptic species" and the fact that it's certain that he has not run population viability analyses for anywhere near all of the species that made the quota, what is it really saying? I'm not trying to trash Raxworthy or his work, by any means...but he could also just be a scientist that has unintentionally gotten tied up in a biological/political $*%@storm.

Mike

I recommend you should just read more carefully. I stated to sustain these new high quotas they are going to have to conserve as much Uroplatus habitat as possible. If people who are apart of the hobby contribute to conservation efforts (ecotourism or contribution to conservation programs) and the hobby becomes a conservation technique that is great. However at this point it is a technique that should be developed more. As ecotourism is a proven business in Madagascar. However actual contributions to conservation programs is lacking to the best of my knowledge. Although I actually have contributed to the Durrell Trust Madagascar Program this year and am planning on making a regular habit of contributing. This with as many enthusiast that there are in the hobby could become a proven conservation technique. For example instead of buying an extra Uroplatus for Christmas contribute that $300.00 USD to a conservation program in Madagascar. It is a neat idea that has to be developed more.

As far as these quotas I am actually not for excessive quotas and I think all these quotas are high. I am for conservative quotas and think that the majority of the specimens in the hobby or as many as possible should be accounted for through enthusiasts/hobbyists breeding programs. I think the these bold quotas were a political move to change the social atmosphere in Madagascar after the coup. These high quotas may be changed next year or they may prove to be sustainable?

For the justification I know CITES (Chris Anderson) used the IUCN Red list data for the new chameleons quotas which to the best of my knowledge is up to date data. This is not all on Chris Raxworthy at all there are many herpetologist that collected the herp data in Madagascar. He is just one that I am acquainted with. Although I think this would be a great opportunity for Malagasy students to part take in population studies of herps in Madagascar.

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

 

[miguel camacho!]

It seems I read your statement differently than you meant. By your bolded statement, I took it as concern for the quotas alone, which is just a number on paper that can be "sustained" as long as no one changes it. But now I see what you were saying.

I clearly misinterpreted the statement following that by assuming that you were referring to the quota numbers, not your preceding statement, which I had obviously already misinterpreted.

I agree that research offers a great opportunity for conservation on more than one level. It not only improves our understanding of many facets related to the systems being researched, but the field work itself plays a similar role as would tourism. Hopefully, signs of the calming political unrest in Madagascar will facilitate the tourism industry as well as research...and ultimately conservation.

 

[Mother Lode Gecko]

It seems I read your statement differently than you meant. By your bolded statement, I took it as concern for the quotas alone, which is just a number on paper that can be "sustained" as long as no one changes it. But now I see what you were saying.

I clearly misinterpreted the statement following that by assuming that you were referring to the quota numbers, not your preceding statement, which I had obviously already misinterpreted.

I agree that research offers a great opportunity for conservation on more than one level. It not only improves our understanding of many facets related to the systems being researched, but the field work itself plays a similar role as would tourism. Hopefully, signs of the calming political unrest in Madagascar will facilitate the tourism industry as well as research...and ultimately conservation.

Miguel

Great that you are comprehending what I was actually writing now.

Kind Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

 

[Bowfinger]

If phantasticus go down to early prices I would definately start a colony again. If anyone gets on a large order please contact me.