Dwarf Bitis in the UK

[axlandslash44x]

Hi all,

new here,

Just wondering if there are any breeders either in europe or in SA who are capable of transporting to the UK?

I dont yet have the relevant Lisencing - and am still researching - this is just for future reference.

Thank you

Currently work with varied non venomous and rear fanged.

[deleray]

Europe is your best bet. There are a number of dealers in that will have small Bitis from time to time. Check on google and you will find German sites (forget their names now) with classifieds. Transport is tricky into the UK, i would suggest just taking a drive and collecting. There is also always the Hamm show where you may find some from time to time.

Good luck getting a DWA permit though!!

[Skippy]

There are enough of them here in Europe

[axlandslash44x]

Thats fair enough

But I have missed Hamm this year - So i cannot go there

I dont know any breeders at all in europe let alone someone that breeds Dwarf bitis

If you could help me find some i would appreciate that

My german sucks so googling through german sites is tough

[gaboon69]

Try a user named hornedadder. Hes in europe, & name is Marco.

[deleray]

Also try the user snakepeter he is also in Europe and may help.

[calechidna]

Hi,

send me a pm with the information you need. We are located in Germany and might help you.

Cheers
Florian

[Durban Keeper]

sweet, see the germans are so cool they even COME TO YOU!

[armata]

Certain Germans at deHoop have not I'm afraid been so cool.

[Rob]

Tony have they caught guys poaching armata in deHoop before? Did they have animals on them?
The only way Im going for them in there is with you.

[armata]

These guys were apprehended searching the fynbos; they had snake catching gear plus flat plastic boxes with air holes. They tried to fob it off saying they were scientists but one of them let it slip when he mentioned B.Armata.
They were allowed to stay but were told that their vehicle would be searched on their departure, which it was. They were snake/reptile free.
They were going to Northern Cape, I told them don't even think of collecting there!

I really do not undestand this desire to keep B.armata/rubida/albanica. I mean B.cornuta is now bred in captivity and is readily available and it is almost identical to the other species in the complex; probably better looking even.
So all I can summise is the motive is for rarity, and if thats the case then take up stamp collecting.

[gaboon69]

I agree with you Armata. Local people are becoming more and more aware of these unwelcome foreign 'scientists'.

[Bushviper]

armata, In future get their details and this will be forwarded to the German authorities. They are very concerned and have contacted me on occassion to confirm the origins of certain animals arriving in Europe (especially chelonians from dodgy people here). They have a similar law to the Lacey Act in the US and can prosecute someone for having a South African snake (non CITES) for which South Africa have never issued a permit.

Searching vehicles when they arrive would also make a lot more sense as well as when they leave.

[armata]

The guys at dehoop do a great job and are alert to 'suspicious' people wandering the fynbos. Quite a few have been innocent plant photographers, but none objected to being questioned. Also a number of people have now been done for speeding in the reserve.
Its difficult to search vehicles on arrival; better to watch the ones who look a bit dodgy.

People have also used my name in vain saying they are colleagues; but turns out I never heard of them. So, all sorts of trickery going on. I just wish I could get on with my work without being paranoid about people collecting.

[Rob]

I cannot see a vehicle search being much use. There are many ways to hide things in a vehicle.
Like you say TP, the guys have to be alert. What suitable punishment could be met out to exotic poachers? If they can afford to fly out here to poach they surely budgeted a fine into the trip. Sad