I think what it boils down to is that Underground Reptiles is a skeezy business and any self-respecting hobbyist should not give them any profits. I understand the demand for kweichowensis and shanjing and the inflated prices that would naturally follow (although what they were asking was quite unreasonable in my opinion). However, their attempts to sell any salamander for exorbitant prices is ridiculous. They really care nothing for the animal's well-being and just want to make as much money as they can. I truly hate the fact that they have found that there may be some sort of profit in the U.S. salamander hobby. I would hope nobody would give them the business and that the company is busted for their illegal sale of salamanders (despite what they may claim).
Furthermore (though this is not an attack on you individually, Paris), I would hope people do not mention they are able to collect unlimited quantities of salamanders. I feel this only adds to the collection of our native species and opens a door to what could become a source of profit. Although blanket laws for the protection of species seem somewhat unnecessary and stop dedicated hobbyists from collection and possible propagation, in some ways I feel they would be better insofar as they would stop the sale of our native animals.
