shoot...

[Steven@HumboldtHerps]

Whoah! I think some of us are missing the point. I am not at all criticizing the natural mixing of gene pools; but the key word is "natural". I am also completely aware of how man has manipulated gene pools (animal & plant) within the domesticated arena for over the last (let's say) 6,000 years (at least). I personally love mongrels; they are intelligent and usu. genetically healthier. I think mixed race humans are some of the most beautiful people on Earth. Oh, let's not forget that humans were the ones who started selectively breeding the different races of dogs (and other animals). Please remember, the known subspecies of the sirtalis complex are all naturally occurring (not selectively bred... and let' please not start!)

One could argue that: humans have been messing things up from day one!
But that does not present solutions for the present. I sympathize with all animals' plights, esp. where they occur by the hands of Homo sapiens. Every situation is different. In nature, the effects of our intereference (whether we think we are doing good or we are just there to rape the land...) are often unpredictable, because there are SO MANY variables and intertwined relationships.

Specifically in the case of these garter intergrades (and they are so pretty, who wouldn't want them!)- Two unbordered subspecies have reintegrated their unique genetics and have muddled the line. If they escape or are captively bred, the tainting will spread.
The moral question is "Do we let compassion risk contamination?" This isn't about pure races. This is a two-fold argument. This is (1) about crosses that would not naturally occur in nature, and (2) more to the point, can you trust your fellow man?

Please note, that if every human could be kept at his or her word, I would not have a problem with anyone adopting these snakes! I have not shook hands with any correspondants from this forum... In reality, I do not know who any of you are. It is beautiful that we can all share here. But trust..... TRUST HAS TO BE EARNED.

[drache]

Specifically in the case of these garter intergrades (and they are so pretty, who wouldn't want them!)- Two unbordered subspecies have reintegrated their unique genetics and have muddled the line. If they escape or are captively bred, the tainting will spread.

as far as I can see, T.s.sirtalis and T.s.parietalis do have overlapping territories
whether flames occur in that overlapping region, I haven't a clue
but I don't suppose it makes any difference whether they could occur in nature