Mario Lutz's (Pers. comm.) about, Herpetoculture and Amateur Herpetology.

(Mario Lutz pers comm.) Herpetoculture - this is the husbandry and breeding of reptiles and amphibians. This field is concerned with the behavioral studies that allow a reptile or amphibian to be kept healthy in captivity and to reproduce in captivity. The scientific method should be used, and notes on all breeding projects should be kept (and published) when possible. Note that breeding ("culture") is a goal in herpetoculture. There is nothing inherently wrong with herpetoculture, it just has a different goal from herpetology. Having said that, I will say that I get disgusted with herpetoculturists who just stick to easy (and "high-priced") colubrids, boids, and lizards. If you consider yourself a herpetoculturist, then pick up the challenge of a lesser-known species for which little husbandry info is available.

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Amateur Herpetology - the non-professional study of reptile and amphibian biology. Yes, it is possible to be an amateur herpetologist, just take a good look at me. Most amateur herpers are interested in biogeography, natural history studies, or conservation biology. A degree in the biological sciences is not necessary, but the scientific method should be followed in all projects. The goal is the same as in herpetology, and amateur herpetologists should take advantage of all opportunities to publish their work in the better herpetological society newsletters or even the herpetological journals.

Very well said, Mario ,

Regards,

Albert.

I fully agree.

As a scientist I would like to add some words.
Amateurs contribute a lot to our knowledge about herps,..., in some aspects, especially concerning husbandry but also behaviour and ecology even more than scientists.
Nobody, including scientists, should ignore that.

Regards,
Rainer

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