That theory is wrong. Wild caught tarantulas have been in the pet trade since the 1960's, and show no sign of letting up. Big spiders bring in floor traffic, and while those people may not buy a spider, they usually buy something for one of their pets at home. At the wholesale level tarantulas are cheap, and more than pay for themselves by the increased business they generate. They're inexpensive for the store to replace if they die. Any boycotts or protests as you suggested, are symbolic and useless. Hasn't accomplish anything yet in 50 years.
I thought that was very funny too when I read it, and it could very well be Jacobi. Thats part of the problem. If a dealer can make a connection to buy 100s of Ts for .75 to $1 each and sell them for $12 to $25 you know he's going to do it. Money talks. If, and I know this will never happen because of Money, but if dealers would atleast limit themselves to a small import of WC and go after CB it would be better. "IF" breeders would "take one for the team" and sell slings for $5, 2 for $5, something no-one can pass up, people might go that way and put a real hurt on the WC trade. They are hard to breed yes, but it's done and it's done alot. I have a porteri that I hope is gravid now and another I will be pairing. Any slings I get to 2nd or 3rd instar I will offer them at $5 each. They cost me next to nothing to get them that far. If breeders would sell slings for that and sub adults for maybe $7-8 it might stop someone from paying $25 for a WC.
Yes, I agree habitat destruction is a huge problem. But I would rather see one die in its own habitat than in a box being shipped to the US, or die in a pet shop or at the hands of an impulse buyer. The import is not going to stop, no matter what we all wish. In a years time 100's and 100's will die that might not if left alone. These countries and the importers are not going to let a cash cow go.
Shame they go to LPS I am sure there are enough hobbyists to buy them all wholesale. And we can care for them way better, than any LPS.
I'd rather not see them die at all. They will continue to be brought into the country. Look at how well we've been able to stop the flow of drugs. Spiders aren't nearly the 'cash cow' drugs are, but it's an easy way for them to make a little money in a poverty stricken country. Where are all these smuggled imports? Most are not going directly to pet stores, as they can't buy in quantity. They'd have to be going to a small number of dealers. Has anyone here seen Nicaraguan spiders in pet stores? I think there's some exaggeration in that article.
oop:. Let this be a lesson to all, especially nowadays - that news is rarely accurate, so, whatever you read, hear or see in the media know this: YOU ARE NOT GETTING THE TRUE STORY. Journalism is a job like any other, people cut corners, fudge and fib; get lazy or bored or just do a crappy job- like any other job (and that's journalism on their best day, their regular day they are spastic hyperbolists). The rag this article came from is total oop:. I mean this as no disrespect to OP, but this post should die from a lack of attention. We know better that the non-caring idiot who wrote this oop: It's a shame I cannot italicize oop: for emfeces. VoilaThe media are
Pretty much disagree with everything but thats just me. Off the subject but what was going on with a recent post about you, that was deleted the same day. Sounded like someone was really upset.
Feel free to disagree. I've been in the hobby for over 40 years, and have known a number of dealers, importers, pet shop owners, breeders, and collectors. You're heart's in a good place, but you have no idea of how the hobby works, especially behind the scenes. Dream all you want, but it's going to take tangible solutions to improve things, and none of your suggestions have a prayer of ever being implemented, for a number of real world reasons.
When I grow up I hope I know as much real word inside information and I'm as smart. I'll be sure to let people know I'm right, they are wrong. I see now what that other post was talking about.. Moms calling I have to go to bed.