Pre-Post-Scriptum: Sorry, this one got long, but I believe details should not be omitted here for a clearer view of the whole idea
As far as pure genetics are concerned, if the cross-breeding happens between subjects of the same species and subspecies, genetic deterioration is less probable. But as those color variants are each endemic to a certain geographical area and further genetic studies are rare to inexistent (at least as far as I could google them and run them through the biology version of SciFinder we have, which combs through certain specialized journals and publications) , it cannot be excluded, and it is even highly probable, that they should deserve the attention subspecies get. Phelsuma lineata has 5 subspieces - at least - which are mainly color and habitat distinctions.
Therefore, a cross-breeding, more exactly heterosis, as the crossing is intended to enhance visual effect, color schemes, and patterns, can be potentially harmful, as subspecies have subtle genetic differences. Hence the danger of risking the rarefying of a subspecies, generating genetic disorders - most commonly, sterility, though this is more frequent with crosses between distinct species, say Bradypodion and Frucifer for example, theoretically speaking.
Al
Just read the thread and want to chime on on some points:
1. It would be pretty hard to document that health is improved by cross breeding. How would you even do that without introducing enough error in your study to make the results suspect?
2. While there is no evidence on the health aspect, there is anecdotal evidence on the appearance standard. Most long-time chameleon community members will agree that what is on the marketplace is not as pretty as in the old days. It could be attributed to gene mixing, or deselection of the wild populations from harvesting the pretty ones. I don't believe that is the case because I think the guys harvesting just grab what they find.
I do know that when my preschool daughters start mixing colors with finger paints, the mixture of the first colors look good. Yellow and blue makes a nice color of green. But then more colors are added in there, and does become a muddled mess and the color becomes not as pretty. I believe we have some of the "muddled mess" in most chameleons on the market, whether intentional, non-intentional, or whatever.
3. We need a carrot and the stick approach to hybridization. Folks like me, who believe hybridization (of Panther Morphs) is bad try to discourage it, and build concensus that its bad because the politics do help keep the lines pure. Thats the stick. The carrot is that I also applaud those folks who do keep good records and are honest about it when they do it.
4. There is anecdotal evidence that hybridization can lead to sterility. happens when you cross horses and donkeys. They can breed and reproduce, but their offspring can not. How would you like to pay $300 to $400 for an animal for your breeding program, raise it for the better part of a year, bond with it, and then when you go to breed it, find out it can't reproduce?
5. Lastly, there isn't a color out there that isn't available in pure form. If you want a purple barred panther, you can find one. They are out there. Heck there's one in my storage room.
Steve
that profit and status maybe even jealousy are the driving factors )
ok, thats more along the lines of what i remember reading about. so im not crazy i did hear this at one time.
Thanks jim, as always its refreshing to see such an experienced individual happy to share information.
( off topic, but by the way I think its pretty clear to anyone that has talked to you and............ someone else
