Hi Administrator.

I believe it would be highly important to add to the rules to never reveal an exact GPS location or a precise description of the area where a group of theraphosidae can be found.

The spider has survived the ice age, meteorites and other catastrophe. Unfortunately, it is our passion and our love for them that put them in great danger.

Whatever if the species is in danger or not, no location should be reveal on forums as some people only wait that to go and get a truck of them.

Just my opinion, let me know yours.

Cedrik

I'd be in favor of posting exact locations on SOME populations - such as the B. vagans population in Florida. But I would agree that we should avoid posting details on collecting locales for native populations.

I very much agree that posting of exact locations can encourage wholesale collections and I am opposed to it and do not post gps or precise locations. That said, not being able to post somewhat exact locations makes it hard to share information on identifying species that one observes in the field. Part of my interest in the US Ts is to learn as much about them, species locations, visiting and observing them in natural habitat and trying to breed some of the Aphonoplema.

Thanks for reminding us of that post and hope newbies read it too.

There will always be the problem of providing good information for scientific purposes and responsible people without opening it up for irresponsible commercial collectors. I think the best we can hope for as a compromise is to use sound judgement in presenting locations. Be generalized in public postings, and if someone responsible needs more details they can communicate through non-public channels. For most purposes on this board very generalized information is adequate - such as "southern Arizona" or "near Rio Rico". Even with this, a determined commercial collector will figure out some of the specific collecting sites, so consider that in postings.

While the concept of keeping specific collecting information quiet is a good one, I'm not sure I'd want to see a formal set of rules put into effect. Such a set of rules would either have to have a lot of flexibility or would need exceptions and variations written into them, making them too rigid or too cumbersome. As a community I think we can influence each other to use good judgement - and moderators can step in if they perceive a posting that endangers a population.

If anyone feels this discussion board has given away the location of any population, please share with us the posts or evidence.

We have that sticky for a reason, and I doubt our little corner of the web is a threat, and as Bill said, a "rule" would be too hard to write and enforce. Besides the people who need that rule would post the information all over the web, not just this board. I have a feeling any specific locals would be "lost" anyway, besides the conference field trips, I think the entire board understands the importance of protecting the populations.

I fully support your sentiments Cedrik.

I agree Bill.