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to the Homepage of R.O.P.S. e.V. |
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Captive breeding has become vitally
important for many species of amphibians and reptiles: most
probably, the number of captive specimens already exceeds the
total of the wild populations in several species ...
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In
certain cases - e.g. as far as most East, South and Southeast
Asian Turtle species are concerned - there is a sound chance of
re-establishing wild populations again by means of animals breed
in captivity by engaged terrarians. |
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The
turtles referred to above are not only collected as vital
protein sources, but huge quantities are exploited to
produce traditional medicaments whose use is most questionable. |
| In
order to warrant the existence of a sufficient genetic pool
until new colonies my be built up after a subtantial change of
environmental conscience among local people, an initiative has
been launched by DGHT member Elmar
Meier (Nottuln, Northrhine-Westphalia, FRG) in close cooperation with the Allwetter-Zoo
at Münster. |
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The
association R.O.P.S. [ Research
On Poikilothermous
Species ] e.V.
owes its birth to the same motifs: by means of related [ breeding
projects ], its members mainly strive to investigate which
temperatures are required to produce certain genders (or a
certain gender ratio).
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As
soon as sufficient results have been gathered, the eggs of the
species in question might be incubated at fixed temperatures in
order to get only those genders (or that gender ratio) which is
actually wanted. |
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In
order to reach this aim, the R.O.P.S.
members legally oblige themselves to incubate the eggs of
certain species at pre-defined temperatures in order to
determine the most favourite temperatures (or bandwidths of values
). |
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Besides, the said projects are likely
to bring along results which provide valuable information on the
influence of incubation conditions on the vitality and life
expectancy of the hatchlings. |
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Constructive
criticism, comments, suggestions and further information may be
addressed to our contact adresses. |