An interesting piece for the
enjoyment of Tasmin :)
Australia has such unique fauna
with great diversity as shown by native mammals such as whale that patrol the
coastline to microbats weighing no more than a few grams. However many people
are unfamiliar with their native fauna, such as quolls, quokkas and antechinuses.
This unfamiliarity and anonymity of species can be due to our urbanisation
where cities are harsh in terms of food sources, shelter and
predation/competition from domestic cats and dogs. Many of our Australian
mammals aren’t spectacular and go un-noticed in that they are particularly
small, in some cases less than 100 grams, some even being nocturnal.
An article by Paul Hopwood (1996) puts
forth the idea of allowing the keeping of Australian natives as pets. Currently
government policy across all states prevents the keeping of endangered species,
with some states enforcing a blanket ban irrespective of species status. Hopwood’s
perspective is that there is great conservation value in maintaining colonies
of endangered mammal species – provided that they make good pets. Now, two
obvious sides emerge: potential detrimental outcomes for species survival in a
conservation sense, morally wrong to restrict a wild animal; or positives in
that native species are less environmentally damaging and the set-up of commercially
viable pet industry with regards to breeding colonies can buffer the endangered
species from extinction.
Focusing on practicality, certain characteristics
such as easy to handle, readily available, affordable food supply, housing
requirements and robustness are required for an Australian native mammal to be
suitable. Another major issue is zoonotic diseases carried by native mammals;
however in most situations preventative medical services are available.
 |
| Mitchells Hopping Mouse (Notomys mitchelli) |
One animal species that would be
suitable is Notomys. They will not kill your local birds and
lizards, they eat little, have non-smelly poo, can be kept in a mouse tank and have
a temperament suitable for handling. Best of all, if you were to keep Notomys
mitchelli you would be doing conservation in New South Wales a service as this
hopping mouse has been extinct from this State for over 50 years.
This point of view raises many
questions, especially on intent behind the domestication of a species. Is it
possible that future conservation plans may incorporate domestication as a last
resort for survival of a species? It is a definite possibility for many endangered
native Australian rodents whose numbers are dwindling.
Image accessed 12/05/2014: http://www.lochmantransparencies.com/products/australian-wildlife/mitchells-hopping-mouse-notomys-mitchelli-ly-516/
A very interesting proposal indeed! While rodents are remarkably adorable (yes, I’m biased), I would have to argue that not all rodents make good pets! Notomys (while being stunning) are nocturnal, so if you want to stay up all night, then perhaps that’s okay What about the potential implications for maintaining a species in captivity when it’s primary habitat has been destroyed? Surely it would be better to conserve the habitat and not focus on particular species? A lot of questions to think about!
ReplyDeleteThis is happening with the Oenpelli python right now (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/to-breed-or-not-to-breed-game-of-snakes-and-ladders/story-e6frg6z6-1226630304503#). A handful of these rare snakes have been collected from the wild (with a permit from the NT government) with the intention of breeding for sale to private keepers. It has also been done with the rough-scaled python. There's no doubt there's problems with the idea. I have questions about whether or not such a small founding population is genetically viable in the long run. I also think anything that isn't cute and furry (or scaly for the herp enthusiasts) could miss out. However, I feel all options must be considered. I agree with Tasmin that it's better to conserve habitat, but many other people with a development bent don't see it that way. Bringing a species into the pet trade might be preferable to letting it go extinct. And I wouldn't mind a quoll. :-)
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