Preservation Program for central american cichlids

Hello to all friends of cichlids!

The CWF (Cichlidenwelt-Forum) and the IAG (Interessengemeinschaft Amerikanischer Großcichliden in der DCG Region Allgäu) are starting a programme for preservation of large cichlid Species from Central America. The programme will be extended to Species from South America at a later point in time.
Please let me introduce the IAG with a few words: For quite a while now, there have been a number of members in the regional section of the DCG (Deutsche Cichliden Gesellschaft, German Cichlid Association) Allgäu who specialised in keeping large cichlid Species from the Americas. This was the origin of the IAG.
The guidelines of the IAG ask for the members to keep and breed AS many different Species of large cichlids from the Americas AS possible. Furthermore, they should try to spread these Species in the hobby.
More details can be found on the website of the IAG www.dcg-allgaeu.de.
Another important point in the guidelines is the preservation of these species. The members feel particularly strongly about this point, so we are trying to instigate a programme devoted to the preservation of large cichlids from the Americas.
Very many Species of cichlids are threatened by the destruction of their natural habitats. We want to point out the special dangers which the cichlids in Central America are prone to. This is not intended AS a criticism of the inhabitants of the countries in that region. Rather, we want to inform about the circumstances cichlids live in while in their natural habitats. In addition, we want to try to preserve the populations of the Species which are already present in the hobby.
AS a means to this end, we are going to report our experiences in keeping and breeding these species. Special attention will be given to Species endangered in their natural Habitat – the IAG is setting an example on their website with the “Arche” (Ark).
We are not going to keep lists of sponsors for the different Species in the way the DCG is doing it for a number of cichlids. Rather, we are going to try and act AS go-betweens, contacts and advisors for those members of the CWF who want to keep or breed these fish.
No matter how long somebody has kept (or bred) one of these Species – one year, two years or longer – he should get in touch with us before he gives them away. We will try to find a fishkeeper interested in taking the fish.
AS mentioned before, a focal point of this programme will be Species which are severely endangered. Reasons for this can be a small natural area of distribution, pollution of the Habitat or the introduction of invasive species.
This is a call to all and sundry interested in this programme to support us in our endeavours to do something for the cichlids of Central America.


regards

Oliver

Thanks Oliver for this information please keep us informed

Mickey