HERPETOFAUNA PET-KEEPING BY SECONDARY-SCHOOL STUDENTS - CAUSES FOR CONCERN

This study of the patterns of the keeping of herpetofauna animals and associated animal welfare issues among secondary school pupils in the United Kingdom suggests that a large proportion of the animals kept as companion animals by this group are indigenous species. In comparison with purchased species, these captured animals, even those normally l ong-lived, appear to suffer a high rate of mortality. Relatively large numbers of escape- and food-related deaths among these animals imply that many are not furnished with suitable vivaria or adequate care. Tr aded reptile and amphibian species were reported to have been kept by nearly 40% of the students who said they had kept herpetofauna, and th e proportions of most taxa reflected their availability in shops. Data concerning students' opinions about their own care-knowledge appeared to support the general conclusion that students have much to learn ab out keeping reptiles and amphibians. These findings are considered in relation to issues of animal welfare and herpetofauna conservation. Th eir ramifications for school-based education about reptiles and amphib ians are also discussed.