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Illustrator posted: 02.08.2011

dear all,

Besides in Goodeids, I am very interested in the role which hobbyists/breeders can play in the condervation of endamgered animals and plants in general. Would it be an idea to list working groups and societies which are working in this direction?

I know that breeding of endangered species traditionally generates a lot of interest amongst keepers of pheasants and some other "expensive" birds (e.g. hornbills). I have been in contact with the people behind the CARESS programm some time ago (very silent there now?) and I am aware of the interest within livebearers and (less?) cichlid societies. Also killifish societies aim to long-term maintain specific strains. With plants "hobbyists'-conservation" of endangered species appears to be a "lucky-side-effect" of collectors who try to obtain and maintain as large as possible collections of specific groups, but there are nurseries which specialize in endangered species (e.g. cacti), although I am not sure where idealism ends and commercealism starts here. Some discussions are popping up on plant-forums, but I have not yet found serious actions which are carried out by more than one person. Reptiles seem to have a good and strong start within OOS and turtle societies, but perhaps there are more initiatives like this?

Anyway, I would have to serach for links and up-to-date info about this.

So, what other programs exist?

Michael Koeck posted: 03.08.2011

Very good idea, Paul! Within the fish "area", Matt Ford could be very helpful via seriously.fish. He has got a lot of contacts. Specialist sides for other systematic groups shouldn't be difficult to find, ask them for interlinking and put them on the website. Unfortunatly, my webdesigner isn't finished with our new side yet, so I would beg you to keep this idea in mind and we start with this on our new side.
Mike

Illustrator posted: 05.08.2011

I propose that we start collecting links here.

As a start, the British have a programm called "National Plant Collections" which aims at conserving the diversity of garden plants. This includes both cultivated varieties and garden plants of wild origin. Participants are diverse: hobbyist-growers, nurseries, botanical gardens etc. Their website is here: http://www.nccpg.com/

The European Studbook Foundation coordinates conservation programms of Reptiles and Amphibians, with emphasis on endangered species. Participants are hobbyists and ZOO's. Website: http://www.studbooks.eu/

seriouslyfish posted: 01.09.2011

I will of course help in any way I can once the new site is ready. :-)