[Cazador]

J,

You're bringing up the issue of a reintroduction program. I think the Europeans have proven their immense success breeding captive tetrataenia, but in order to do so in the U.S., one would need to be federally permitted, which isn't being allowed. Stephan makes a great counter-arguement. The threat is that the immune system of captive tetrataenia becomes compromised, and sick captives get released and intermingle with the few remaining wild ones. Then they become the death of the entire subspecies. A carefully-selected island seems to have merit, but the feds just don't take chances after a (sub)species has been added to the Endangered Species List. I think responsible professionals could pull if off, though. What's even more strange is that the feds allow a very limited number to be captured in order for scientific research, but captive breeding and reintroduction remains one GIANT step away. I have to admit, though, that I believe it would be extremely risky for a well-intentioned hobbiest to illegally give it a try.

Rick