Not 100%, but what I do know is since I've been following the Cameroon shipment is when I placed my order I was told a large lot had already been sold. The next event was Backwater's Cameroon bounty post which was being unpacked and seemed to have identical packing as my order from said importer. So, I'm guessing our importer is supplying Backwater who is a retailer, which is why the collective, who is trying to breed quads on a large scale thus becoming competition and not buying too many large lots in the future, got the specimens they did. While Backwater, who being a retailer, will continue to purchase large lots every import and keep a flow going, needs to be kept happy. And although I hate to see anyone get screwed over as it seems you guys have, this is the business world and these are some of the pressures of the private sector where survival of the fittest does apply and causes people to make less than savory decisions. They're only human and only very exceptional people can rise above this it seems. Not trying to justify them by any means, just stating that this is the way it is. This is actually the flawed paradigm I've spoken of. The importers should be getting the fewer, quality WC bloodlines in the hands of the breeders and in return the breeders should be flowing the retailers with their surplus CBB.
Nature and Laroche wins. (Delusions of grandure) haha
Whatever the case, large numbers of compromised WC chameleons shouldn't be imported into a genetic dead end within the "pet" trade. If all parties involved could take the personal responsibility to regulate themselves, we wouldn't need to waist resources on these governing bodies, subjecting ourselves to ever increasing legislation, decrease the collection pressure on wild populations, and redirect those funds to preserving natural habitat. Which is how you will truly save a species. I'm sure it's been said before.
And it's after my criticisms, to be fair, honest and objective, I still must say I've only ordered from this importer a few times, but I've been lucky enough to be pleased with each and feel I've been treated well. Backwater, I've only ordered from once. A female deremensis that came in young and healthy with the exception of a little nose rub. She's still doing well and I must say I'm pleased with her also.
That being said, the more times we cast our lines in hopes of catching a fish, the more of a chance we have of pulling back a stick, boot, or nothing at all. WC is always a gamble because of current practices. Knowledge is power, but can be a double edge sword. In this business world, cards need to be played close to the vest. If too much information is offered, those cards can be stacked against you. What can we possibly learn from this? If the importer thinks you're a retailer, you might get one thing. If they know you're a breeding collective that may become competition in the future with little to no reciprocity, you're likely to get another. If this is even remotely what happened. I'm only postulating one possibility. This is why the paradigm shift towards a cooperative needs to take place. For the good of everyone involved, especially the chameleons (and all other living beings in this situation for that matter). Simple game theory, fear and greed are fighting till the end.
Sorry. A lot of this has been building for a long time and I just had to vent.
Now that my cliche meter is so low I must bid you a fond adieu.
Thanks for your time.
. That statement is not always accurate.
I've been reading and enjoying the TFH Chameleon books for twenty years. Same with the older Reptiles, Vivarium, CIN, and Reptiles & Amphibians magazines. I quit my subscription to Reptiles about seven years ago because of the reasons you listed.
