Wild Caught

[Motherlode Chameleon]

As an animal lover I feel that removing any animal from its habitat (unless relocation or for study) is wrong and should stop.

However...

As an animal keeper, I feel I and all of you are part of the problem.

The sad truth.

The main thing though is if some chameleons were not in captivity not many people in the USA, Europe or Asia would know about the conservation problems or become motivated to solve the conservation problems in Madagascar. While with some in captivity fans of these animals can rally world wide and have the greatest chance of conserving Madagascar's wild lands were as if there was none in captivity not many people would not have the awareness or any kind of clue about. Meaning importing some wild chameleons in small numbers can be very important.

 

[Chamero]

Agreed, there are definitely benefits to exporting these animals to those who care.
Unfortunately, the mighty $$$ sees no face.

I find a lot of similarities between this situation and that of elephants and Ivory.
When I was kid I was interested in Ivory, it was shiny, smooth, and rare.
My mom told me though, that If I buy some, they will just kill more to sell more.

I could never buy enough to satisfy the supply or demand.

When people are no longer willing to pay money for these animals, the market will die.

 

[Motherlode Chameleon]

It can be done conserving Madagascar's wild land and some exports of chameleons. The problems in Africa and South East Asia is that conservation of those wild lands with their mega fauna is that they on a completely separate scale as to the requirements for adequately conservation. Plus is why those areas normally receive most of the attention.