[quote=rancor_;31521]Again, not a black and white issue, but if the decrease is due to habitat loss...how would pumping more snakes into a smaller area help? That would actually just increase mortality rates (more young competing for the same resources). There are many historical examples of humans "playing God" with wildlife that were more harmful than successful.
If steps are taken to do things properly, than its a non-issue, but Adding a WC pair into your room full of garters to breed and release...isnt really proper. Fecal exams, bloodwork, are all expensive and I doubt
most would pay for it on snakes they plan on setting free.
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of course, but how should this be proven?[\quote]
This would be where an actual study is done, not a drop and go. Long term studies show how effective release programs are.
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decrease may not due to habitat loss only ( like building roads) but also caused by artifical predators (pets like rats, cats, dogs, lawnmowers, cars, ploughs....and infections)
In such a multiple caused situation the catch and release strategy will help a population to survive some critical years or push it to evolve and assimilate.