The effects of ball pythons on the reptile community

[elevatethis]

For example.....

The idea of 'investment' animals appauls some....but the opportunity to earn money with a hobby appeals to others.

I don't think it's ball pythons per se that might have effected the community, but moreso the absolutely explosion in demand over the past decade or so. I've spoken to more than a few "old school" herpers that have been shocked by the increase in demand for what was, back in the day, considered a boring, B-list reptile to keep.

No doubt that the increase in variety of morphs and advances in the captive husbandry of ball pythons have helped fuel their demand.

So rewind 5-10 years and you have an animal with a high demand and low supply...whenever there is a market that acheives above average returns, you have lots of entry into that market.

So now you've got people getting into ball pythons for the purpose of making a return. IMO, thats a lame excuse to get into a hobby, but on the flip side, who would have thought that snake I got when I was 13 could turn into something that could pay for itself?

What it comes down to is that there are people who are passionate about ball pythons involved in the market, and you've got people who could give a rip about them and only care about their "investment." Unfortunately, the people who really love the animals don't get anywhere near as much press and exposure as the people who don't. This is where ball pythons, in the opinions of some, may have had a negative affect on the hobby.

More people owning reptiles means more support on legislative issues....but more people owning reptiles means more legislative issues will be brought fourth.

Any time something becomes more mainstream and widely accepted, legislation loses its blinders a little bit more. The public generally fears what they do not understand. The better they understand, the less they fear, and the law opens up.

Increased interest in ball pythons has caused some to 'forget about' other interesting reptiles out there....

Because balls rock! What other reptile has such a docile temperment, easy (once you get it right) care requirements, and come in such a variety of color morphs? For me its a no brainer.

Also...I'd like to hear the reasoning on the other side of the fence, from someone who think ball pythons have affected the herp community negatively.

I've heard/read things like ball pythons commercializing the reptile community, etc...those sorts of naysayers come out of the woodwork every time something underground goes somewhat mainstream and people who have been around longer are left in the dust...like someone who likes a band before they make it big...then whine about how they've "changed.."

Sorry for the long post...kinda slow at work today