RATTLESNAKE CONSERVATION
Some zoos have made a commitment to the conservation of rattlesnakes
through the establishment of attractive educational exhibits and captive-breeding
programs. The latter can help to conserve the species in two ways. Offspring
from zoo breeding stock may be provided to other qualified institutions
in lieu of taking still more specimens from the wild. Furthermore, captive-bred
progeny might be returned to the wild if some future need exists. Zoo-based
breeding colonies should be comprised of founder specimens of the same
genetic makeup and local population. Offspring could be returned to the
home site of the parent stock should this become desirable for conservation
or further field study. This "gene bank" approach has been responsible
for the preservation of a number of non-reptilian species which otherwise
would have become extinct.
It is fair to say that, in spite of the great enmity which has existed
between man and the rattlesnake in modern times, there are clear indications
that this magnificent creature is most beneficial to humanity. Apart from
the obvious asset which the rattlesnake represents in helping to maintain
a balanced environment, its greatest benefit to mankind may eventually
emerge in the biomedical uses of its venom.
In the final analysis, rattlesnakes are an integral and aesthetic
part of their environment and, as is true for all aspects of nature, their
very existence is self-justifying.
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