Looking to add a Bufo Alvar...ius to my herp collection

[buzyee]

I'm a snake and lizard man so far but am looking to add a bufo alvarius or maybe even a mating pair to my collection. I live in Tucson and I know the state says you can catch and posses 10 toads, however I am worried about disease infecting my other herps so I'm looking to find a captive bred toad or pair. I'm in Oro Valley, just north of Tucson...if anyone in the are could help please shoot me a message
thanks,
Brandon

[Greg M]

It is hard to find captive-bred alvarius - I know John has bred them in the past. Aside from him, I am suspicious that many supposedly captive-bred specimens are not. If the toad is locally abundant and you observe all relevant laws, my personal suggestion is that you capture a young individual or two, treat it for Chytrid (lamisole treatment), observe a 2 month quarantine period and call it good. Other than chytrid, I don't think there is much to worry about - you will keep it in a separate cage anyway... You could have a vet run fecals, if you want to be thorough...

PS. It should go without saying that I am not suggesting/condoning breaking any laws with respect to this species. They are fascinating but are, um, misused by some...

[buzyee]

John?

[Greg M]

I refer to John Clare, our illustrious leader...

[John]

I refer to John Clare, our illustrious leader...

Haha!

In fairness, I didn't breed them, I just documented a captive breeding by a zoo in the US.

I agree with you Greg, it's virtually impossible to find this species captive bred, and those that claim it are usually lying to avoid legal problems due to the interstate restrictions on this species. Brandon, unless you are planning on keeping the toads with other animals (bad idea) then I would just catch them. You are lucky to live in the state where they are most abundant.