TORTOISES

[ianflyinghigh]

Does anyone know if it is lawful to buy/keep tortoises on the Island?
We keep and breed them in the UK and will be returning to live on the Island soon. We would like to offer some babies to English ex pats.

[Snowdrop]

Well within the grounds of Guardia civil in corralejo there is a family of 5.  One looks big so I guess it's quite old and then there is a tiny one - then inbetweeners.  They are just to the left of the main gates and alongside the pavement. 

[Can the Man]

What a great idea, I am sure the climate and terrain suits them. I th No they are fascinating reptiles, especially when they can grow so old.
Maybe contact the Oasis Park (Zoo), they might be able to give you some guidance and assistance.

[ianflyinghigh]

Thanks to everyone for their very helpful comments.

We would love to hear what people think about tortoises and if anyone would be interested in babies sometime next year. Some of the available species would be well suited to the mild warm climate of Fuerteventura.

[waggy]

Hi, Ianflyinghigh.
You have asked and here is my opinion. It is not wise to introduce alien species to island ecosystems: anything kept as a 'pet' will inevitably escape into the wild and cause harm and even extinction to indigenous species. This is a proven fact all over the world where humans have made deliberate or accidental introductions. African ground squirrels are a case in point in the Canarias and the authorities are, I believe' making belated efforts to get rid of them. They may have been introduced as 'cute' pets but they are making vast inroads into the vegetation and habitat of native species. Lizards are particularly at risk.
Here in the UK of course we now have a Grey Squirrel eradication program in order to save the Red Squirrel. In Australia there are many such efforts being made to eradicate introduced mammals which have thrived at the expense of the native marsupials. The same can be said of many places, especially in regard to goats, pigs, cats, dogs, camels, horses and many small creatures like rodents and hedgehogs and non-indigenous snails, to name but a few.

The second main objection to your scheme is that, however well-meaning your exotic pet owning ambitions are, these creatures should be left where they are, in the wild. The artificially created demand for all things 'exotic' has caused  and is causing many species to become extinct in the wild. The demand for parrots and especially macaws is a particular problem and no-way should people be encouraged to participate. 'Popular' tortoise species have also suffered similar catastrophic population declines.
I urge anyone who may be swayed by encouragement or by the appearance of normality in this kind of 'pet' keeping to think again about the consequences beyond their own selfish satisfaction.

[ianflyinghigh]

Thank you for your comment. We take on board what you have said. We are only talking about captive bred and not wild taken. Of course there is also an argument that captive bred animals generally live longer than those in the wild.

I know what you mean about Chipmunks and some other inverts and vertebrates. I think that is largely down to the responsibility of those purchasing the animal.

Your comments are much appreciated though - thanks.

[erik_tonny]

ianflyinghigh, try to READ and UNDERSTAND what waggy wrote:
anything kept as a 'pet' will inevitably escape into the wild and cause harm and even extinction to indigenous species
It doen't matter if they are captured, bred or "homemade".

[Ole Man River]

Now let me think what harm could a tortoise have on this barren desolate island ??Will it devour the hedgehog who comes in at night???Or swoop down and attack the chiffchaff in my bird bath?? Tell me Ian would a tortoise live happily with my three cats ?

- & oh! what if escapes? With no available food or water it will soon die, so cannot breed (which takes many years for a tortoise anyway) so what harm can it do? No more harm than the wild animal who lives off copious quantities of local rum & only verbally attacks humans!!!

Best of luck with your venture.
We know of 1 tortoise on the Island that has been here for many years. Think there was paperwork involved in the transfer of it's ownership. Regulations in place we think. 

[waggy]

And what about a Bear of Little Brain, OMR. What damage they can cause if released into the wrong environment!
Ever taken 2 minutes to consider just why it's a barren, desolate island?

[Ole Man River]

Because it's volcanic rock with very little rain, but I'm sure you have another reason why.

[malabu]

Thank you for your comment. We take on board what you have said. We are only talking about captive bred and not wild taken. Of course there is also an argument that captive bred animals generally live longer than those in the wild.

I know what you mean about Chipmunks and some other inverts and vertebrates. I think that is largely down to the responsibility of those purchasing the animal.

Your comments are much appreciated though - thanks.

we have love birds here at home all hand reared and breeding and free to come and go, and we are looking for cockatiel to hand rear and live free around the home and garden,  i am sure my birds are as happy if not happier than in the wild they also live about 4 or five years longer and also give a huge amount of pleasure us and anyone who visits us, i am thinking about endangered species in captivity that would be non existent if in the wild, i have never heard of any problems with any animal or the environment  that have been released back into the wild, quite the opposite actually, good luck with your venture if it takes off put me down for a pair please.

[Globetrotter]

And what about a Bear of Little Brain, OMR. What damage they can cause if released into the wrong environment!
Ever taken 2 minutes to consider just why it's a barren, desolate island?

Because the goverment chopped down all the trees to turn them into the mountains of paperwok involved on the island, lol