The reptile world has a wide variety of organizations. How do they all fit together?

This is how I see it:

The Pet Industry Advisory Council (PIJAC) is the largest and oldest pet business and pet-owner lobbying organization in the United States. I don't agree with all their policies or politics, but I do support their positions on reptile and amphibian issues.

This is an organization I've worked with for over ten years in an advisory role. In terms of beltway politics, they are the organization that the federal government and NGOs regularly turn to for pet- and herp-related issues, including pending regulation and legislation. They have had input on every major herp regulation implemented at the federal level in the last 40 years.

With management staffed primarily by attorneys, backed by the major pet industry players, and with a newly expanded reptile and amphibian advisory panel headed by Scott Hardin, formerly of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, PIJAC is the go-to organization for herp issues in D.C. While they rarely receive press, and rarely claim victories publicly, they are the most effective organization at the federal level, and that should remain their primary focus.

What they have always lacked has been an effective mechanism to reach small businesses and individual pet owners, as well as an effective mechanism to deal with state issues. Additionally, with a focus primarily on the pet trade, they are less equipped to deal with aspects of our hobby such as venomous keeping.

The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) is the most effective organization we have for reaching the grassroots. It also can work in issue and advocacy areas that PIJAC doesn't or can't, particularly with small business and pet owners. It should work hand in hand with PIJAC to insure our community is represented both nationally and a state level. In turn, PIJAC should work with USARK to utilize the input from the USARK member base in the most effective way, providing support on state issues when requested, and requesting support from the USARK membership on national issues as needed. USARK has the best tools and structure to assist states directly as needed and requested by state-based organizations and members.

The National Reptile and Amphibian Advisory Council (NRAAC) provides educational support, and draws different organizations and agencies concerned with reptiles, amphibians, and the law together to discuss -- in a non-political and non-confrontational manner -- the laws and regulations effecting reptiles, amphibians, and people at an annual symposium.

NRAAC should continue on with its annual conference, taking it on the road to a new location every year, and should continue with projects such as the national reptile and amphibian law database, and other informational and educational projects that benefit the community as whole.

As a non-member, all-volunteer organization, NRAAC needs to draw on the resources of PIJAC and USARK and its membership for support, financial and otherwise. NRAAC should invite federal and agencies as well as NGOs to sit on its various steering committees to help determine the direction of the organization and its symposium, and will be doing so in 2013. NRAAC is not a lobbying organization.

Herpetological societies, clubs, and organizations, such as the East Texas Herp Society and Chicago Herp Society, draw herp people together from many disciplines, providing a social network, acting as trip-wire on state and local issues, and providing a strong network of support locally.

As a community, we need more and stronger herp societies to help promote education and rescue efforts, provide information, and give and receive input on regulatory efforts on state, local, and national level. Herp societies should be the backbone of dealing with most state regulatory efforts.

In cases where the societies are unable to step forward or do not exist, USARK and PIJAC should put the systems in place to provide support to their members in those states. USARK and PIJAC should both work to expand the loose herp society network that is already in place, even though herp societies are not, and should never be, lobbying organizations.

The Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) also has a significant role to play in the community. Without their input, many of the things the other organizations are trying to accomplish would simply be impossible. They provide much of the research that makes the other organizations effective, help train the herp veterinarians of tomorrow, care for our pets, and help to recognize the rise of pathogens that may harm our animals and our community.

The (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) (AZA) also plays an important, and often overlooked, role in our community, with many zoo professionals having started as hobbyists. Zoological parks and aquariums play perhaps the most important part, teaching youth the value of animals, habitats, and ecology and giving many children their first hands-on experience with reptiles and amphibians.

These facilities also act in many cases as "arks" for critically endangered species, providing controlled captive breeding programs that allow some species to survive in captivity when their wild compatriots have vanished, and allowing for re-introduction when appropriate. Also important is the research they do on those same species, and on many less-endangered native species.

Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) plays the important role of connecting all these disparate organizations upstream to federal and state agencies, as well as conservation-focused NGOs like as the Sierra Club and World Wildlife Fund to promote conservation of reptiles and amphibians nationwide and worldwide.

Reptile and amphibian rescues, such as Small Scale Rescue and VA Reptile Rescue are the final link in the organizational chain, providing important support to both wild and captive reptiles, as well as injured, abandoned, or confiscated animals. Usually overlooked and overworked -- and always underfunded -- these organizations need to be embraced by both USARK and PIJAC, and given assistance in formalizing their structures as needed and requested. The network of rescues needs to be strengthened and enlarged, with more support provided by the organizations and community.

What role do you see for organizations in our community? Are there any that I have missed?

In the business world, CEOs and presidents are fired, resign, or move on to other things every day. Sometimes they resign to move on to bigger and better things. Sometimes they resign because of a difference of opinion with their board. Sometimes they resign in lieu of being terminated, sometimes because the board has lost faith, sometimes because of gross incompetence or dishonesty, and sometimes because criminal activity has been uncovered. It's tough to read between the lines in press releases, but in the business world if an executive move is lateral or downward, you can usually bet the resignation wasn't by choice.

Sometimes these management changes signal a change for the worse in an organization, and sometimes it's a change for the better. Rarely does it signal impending doom -- it's far more likely it simply signals a change in direction. In the case at hand, the changes are for the good, and signal a change in direction: the right direction.

I'm talking about the recent resignation of USARK's Andrew Wyatt. Since USARK's inception, I have withheld support of the organization out of concern over the individual at its helm. Some believed it was, and Wyatt himself always passed it off as, personal animosity, but that's not the case.

Having already started and been involved with a similar lobbying organization in the years from 1997-2002, I was familiar with the problems and obstacles such an organization faced, and therefore did my best to steer everyone toward using assets already in place rather than creating the expense, burden, commitment, and risk a new organization would entail.

I also knew that, once started, it would forever need to be fed, in ever-growing amounts of money. I knew such an organization would need to be geared up to operate for 20+ years, and raise millions of dollars. And I knew that the easiest, fastest way to raise early money was to start yelling "fire" all the time -- a battle cry that would inevitably backfire and be destructive to our community and our hobby.

Which is exactly what we saw happen with the constant drumbeat of disaster Wyatt put forth from USARK during his tenure. And just as I feared, it frightened away consumers and businesses, putting downward pressure on an industry and hobby already staggering under the weight of a bad economy.

I also kept my distance from Wyatt's organization because it didn't pass my due diligence.

Websters defines "due diligence" two ways: First, as the care that a reasonable person exercises to avoid harm to other persons or their property, and second, as the research and analysis of a company or organization done in preparation for a business transaction.

As part of that process, I looked at everything I could find pertaining to the organization and the individual running it. Neither the strategy being employed, nor the lack of transparency, nor the possibility of harm, gave me confidence in either.

I was also concerned about the structure of USARK, which left all the power concentrated in the hands of one individual, the founder, with a board of directors limited in its ability to assert control should he choose to take the organization down a wrong path.

Even more troubling to me, that individual had no legal background, no lobbying background, and no corporate background. In fact, as far as I could tell, his knowledge of and background in the herp community and industry was limited. I knew that there would be hundreds of thousand of dollars required to do what he was proposing, and at risk would be an industry with thousands of businesses and individuals involved, worth millions. Despite this, it seemed that something as basic as a relevant background investigation had never even been run.

Finally, I knew that as long as Wyatt was in charge, it would be his organization, not the board's, and certainly not the "Reptile Nation's."

So I withheld kingsnake.com's support, and my support, until Wyatt and USARK could prove themselves.

In the following years, Wyatt, did nothing to prove me wrong. In fact, it almost seemed that he did everything to prove me correct, repeatedly. Evidence and allegations of bad management were rife, including loose controls over cash flow and expenses, excessive travel for limited gain, lack of transparency as to how funds were spent, poor messaging and messaging protocols, and USARK officers carrying on inappropriate personal relationships with USARK volunteers at industry trade show events.

As USARK gained momentum and voice, Andrews' "house on fire" tactics took a greater and greater toll on hobbyists and businesses, turning what had been a rapidly-growing industry into one that slowed, then stopped, then began to reverse course.

I repeatedly raised numerous questions and concerns to Andrew, to the USARK board members, and to the community. I pointed out that the path we were headed down was damaging us as an industry and community. Wyatt continued to paint this as a personal issue, and publicly labeled me as "divisive" every chance he got.

Perhaps for that reason, the USARK board disregarded my questions and warnings, and I never got the information and answers I was looking for. My opposition to USARK's leadership, policies, and direction became well known not only in the back channels where I tried to keep them, but publicly as well -- so well-known, in fact, it negatively impacted my business, my friendships, and my personal relationships in the community.

In the spring of 2012, feeling almost desperate about the direction our hobby was moving in and hoping to rebuild some of the bridges Wyatt was burning, I helped start a reptile law education organization dedicated to putting on a reptile law symposium, the re-purposed National Reptile and Amphibian Advisory Council (NRAAC).

NRAAC was indirectly threatened with, and ultimately suffered, a "blackout" by industry leaders and media connected to the USARK organization. Others in the community were pressured by USARK, both directly and indirectly, not to participate in the organization or the symposium. Virtually the only press we got was on kingsnake.com. I was even told, by one long-time customer, that he could not accept my event's advertising, free or paid, for fear of upsetting USARK.

The blackout dramatically impacted our ability to market the event and directly limited the participation by the community in the very first national reptile law symposium. Were it not for the federal and state agencies, as well as PIJAC, the ARAV, and especially the ETHS, the event would have foundered. Thanks to them, it was a huge success.

I'd like to address another issue that demonstrates how Wyatt put his own personal agenda ahead of the well-being of our hobby. Wyatt and another USARK officer, Ericka Walsh, claimed that they were unaware of the Symposium until it was too late to attend, and that they were not invited to participate. This is demonstrably untrue. We invited USARK directly via email from our site coordinator. Despite the lack of response to our invitation, we even had a badge prepared and waiting for Wyatt at the event, should he have decided to appear at the last moment.

But Wyatt didn't appear. Nor did Walsh.

Neither did Dave and Tracy Barker, who were also invited to represent either USARK or their own business, or both, despite Dave being invited by me personally during the Snake Days event in Sanderson four months previously, and receiving multiple email invites. Wyatt, Walsh, the Barkers -- not one of them could see the need to sit down and talk with the specific federal agencies, and the specific individuals within those agencies, tasked with deciding the fate of Boa Constrictors and Reticulated Pythons.

Fortunately, less than a week before the event, Gary and Shane Bagnall made arrangements to participate, guaranteeing USARK at least some representation.

So here we are today.

Andrew has "resigned" under what most people see as the proverbial "mysterious circumstances." He is predictably painting himself as the martyr in the situation, and is trying to divide the community by launching an organization directly competing with USARK. He is using what is essentially a generic cover story to explain his exit, and to justify the need for the existence of this new organization, to launch it, and to once again ask you for your money. And he is hiding the facts behind a non-disclosure agreement that masks the real circumstances of his exit. Talk about being "divisive."

Maybe you're considering supporting Wyatt's new organization. Maybe you believe his claims that only he, not USARK and its board, nor anyone else in the herp community, really cares about your interests. Maybe you just don't want to make him into an enemy.

Fine. But before you support any organization headed by Andrew Wyatt, you should ask him the questions I'd like to have asked him over the last three years (and tried to). Under oath.

Here are five questions for Andrew Wyatt, below the jump -- add yours in the comments!

Check out this 2010 Two-Headed Bearded Dragon video submitted by kingsnake.com user RoachMei.
Submit your own reptile & amphibian videos at http://www.kingsnake.com/video/ and you could see them featured here or check out all the videos submitted by other users!

Ever wanted to use kingsnake.com on your smartphone? Now you can.

Today, kingsnake.com launched a fully-featured mobile site, including the classified ad system, the site's most-trafficked destination, as well as its popular locators for zoos and herp-related events, veterinary services, breeders, supplies and services, and rescue groups.

Mobile users can view and post classifieds both locally and nationally, including uploading photos. They can also search for reptile breeders and businesses, find a local pet store, check reptile and amphibian laws, and more. With After Dark mobile, they can even find that special herp-friendly "someone," desktop-free.

Located at http://mobile.kingsnake.com, the site is designed specifically for smart phones that are touch-screen enabled. While still considered a beta release, the mobile site has been tested on a variety of a variety of iPhones, Androids and Blackberrys, and several different mobile OS and browsers.

Although primarily designed for smartphones, the site is also tablet-compatible.


kingsnake mobile is just the first of a number of cool projects in the pipeline, so stay tuned for more development news from kingsnake.com in the New Year.

United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) President Andrew Wyatt announced his resignation from the organization yesterday, leaving many in the reptile world to wonder what will happen with the current organization and its assets.

Board members are preparing a statement and are not ready to comment officially yet, but did confirm to kingsnake.com that the USARK organization will continue to operate under the direction of the board until such time as a suitable professional candidate has been found. The board is currently reviewing a number of prospective candidates and say they hope to come to a decision soon, and that USARK will continue to move forward in representing its members interests in 2013.

USARK's board currently consists of members of some of the oldest and largest businesses in the reptile community, including Zoomed, Timberline, and LLL Reptile.

kingsnake.com has offered support and assistance to the USARK board in helping it reach its goals in 2013. We hope the changes brought about by the leadership transition will signal a fresh new start for the organization and the community.

Additionally, the National Reptile and Advisory Council has extended an invitation to USARK to co-host the 2013 Reptile & Amphibian Law Symposium in Washington D.C., alongside the other confirmed hosts, which so far include the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC).

Best of luck to USARK as it begins a new year.

Yet another kingsnake.com system has undergone an overhaul. This time, it's the reptile and amphibian events system that's had a winter makeover.

No longer just displayed as a long, linking list of events, reptile and amphibian event listings are now searchable by state and province, as well as zip and postal code. A new detailed listing section includes a phone number, the street address of the event, and a map link to help herpers find their way to the event venue.

Further upgrades to the reptile and amphibian events system in 2013 will allow event promoters to manage and edit their listings, as well as add more information about their event. Event listings are still displayed in the old format as well, on the events page, in numerous tabbed locations throughout kingsnake.com, and in the news scroll in the header.

The events system is already chock full of 2013 reptile and amphibian expos and events, so click here and give it a try, and see when the next reptile show is coming near you!

If you have a reptile or amphibian event in 2013 and need to get the word out, listing it in kingsnake.com's event locator system is the best way to reach herpers across the globe. With a 15+ year history of reptile event listings, kingsnake.com is the first place most herpers go to find out where the shows are.

To find out more about how you can list your upcoming reptile and amphibian event, check out the events page at http://kingsnake.com/events.

kingsnake.com and the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) are partnering to launch a reptile and amphibian veterinary locator service to help people locate local medical services and treatment for their cold-blooded pets.

The full system will be available in 2013, but the current beta version offers links and contact information on reptile and amphibian vets who are members of the ARAV in the United States and Canada. Under the new locator system, herp veterinarians may be located by state or province, or by zip or postal code. Plans for the final release include code that will allow anyone to add the reptile vet locator to their website or page.

"I am looking forward to this very sensible and powerful collaboration." said ARAV webmaster Dr. Katie Heinz-Taheny "The 'portable' search on your page looks good, and will reach an even greater number of herp owners."

The vet locator is one of the many projects in the works stemming from conversations at the September NRAAC Reptile Law Symposium and Workshop in Houston. More collaborative projects are expected to be announced in the coming year between many of the participating companies and organizations. Plans for the 2013 NRAAC conference at the National Zoo in Washington D.C. are scheduled to be announced later this week.

To try out the beta Reptile and Amphibian Vet Locator, visit http://kingsnake.com/vets.html. The full version will be released in January.

Who doesn't like going to the zoo? For many, their first experience with reptiles and amphibians was at the zoo. I still remember when I was a kid visiting the Cincinnati and Indianapolis Zoos, where the giant tortoises were among my favorites. It left a lasting impression on me and growing up, I never turned down a trip to the zoo.

Now that I'm an adult, when I'm traveling I still like to try to visit the local zoo or aquarium. Over time, I've managed to visit dozens here in the States and in Europe. As an out of towner, however, I often find it difficult to find basic information on the zoo and its location, and without relying on a cab to get there. Sometimes I've found myself lost in a foreign city, wandering about in a rental car asking locals for directions.

kingsnake.com's newest feature, a zoo, aquarium, and wildlife park locator, should help resolve a lot of those issues. This new resource lists AZA-accredited facilities in the United States and Canada by state or province, as well as by zip and postal codes. The locator provides the street address, phone number, website link, and a map link for each facility, to help making your next trip to the zoo a better experience. Check out it out at http://kingsnake.com/zoos.html!