Chameleon Database Change

Dear Keepers and Breeders,
We have recently made some changes to the CCBTD. Many are already familiar with the CCBTD, the Captive Chameleon Bloodline Tracking Database ( http://www.chameleondatabase.com/ ). While we have had a number of people sign up and submit their registration fee of $5, a number of people have expressed concern about paying for a system that they don’t understand. In order to fully show the benefits of the system, we have taken steps to allow nonmembers to view the database. Initially, we did not permit nonmembers to search the database and see entries. Interested parties can now search the database and view entries in order to see the type of information this system provides. Nonmembers are still unable to enter data or contact members but it is our hope that breeders and keepers will now be able to make a more conscious decision with regard to the use of the database.
Unfortunately, the system is only as good as the integrity of those using the system. In order for this database to work as it is intended, keepers and breeders must register and honestly represent their animals and breedings. Furthermore, for optimal benefit to all breeders, we encourage individuals selling breeding stock and progeny to promote the system use by asking their buyers to register as well. In the event of the transfer of registered animals to another user, the animal in the database can be transferred to the new owner, thereby maintaining the accuracy of the data. It is our hope that as time passes, more individuals will continue to use the system leading to an invaluable resource.
The database has been designed so it is easy to use. When entering an animal, after logging into their username, there is a function to enter a chameleon. Here, the breeder/owner can select the species, enter its morph or locality, enter its birth/acquisition date, sex, origin (WC, CB, CH, FR, etc.), the status of the animal (active, juvenile, deceased or retired), the willingness to discuss breeding loan and even a picture of the animal. Once entered, the animal is given a unique identification tag for use in lineage trees. To enter information on the parents of a registered animal and ensure completeness of the entry, the owner must enter the identification number of the sire and dam. Since the owners of the sire and dam might enter their animal after one has entered their progeny, this can be done after initial listing of the animal. For this reason, we hope that all users will encourage and ask the breeders of their animals to register in the database and begin using the system. The aforementioned data on each entered specimen is entered into the database and can be searched. Individuals can determine relatedness to other specimens and contact the owner/breeder. To protect the privacy of the users, members searching the database are unable to see any personal information on listed breeders. Contact is made through the site which forwards email to the breeder who can then privately contact the sender as they see fit. Additionally, we have incorporated a forum system for general questions and question regarding the use of the database. Finally, registered users have a number of private functions. Among other things, they are able to enter breeding and hatch data that only they can view. This allows them to have data on clutches recorded for future reference.
I hope you all will take some time to look at the database and learn about its basic functions. It is our hope that many of you will decide to register for the database and begin to utilize its resources. Since the purpose of this system is the long term preservation of the data, there is a small, one time registration fee of $5 per user. After registering, the user can enter as many animals as they wish. This fee is for hosting fees and other such expenses directly related to the continuing upholding of the system. We feel this minimal cost is acceptable and vital to ensure a long-lasting benefit to the chameleon community. For final information about the policies of the database, we ask that you view the Terms and Conditions outlined during the registration process.
On behalf of Jason Descamps and the rest of the team working on this project, I’d like to invite you all to take a look, register and begin to take a proactive role in the long term preservation of the propagation and management of chameleons in captivity. To begin, visit the site at: http://www.chameleondatabase.com/ , click register, go through all the step to register (except submitting your payment), and then take a look around. Thanks for your time!
Regards,
Chris Anderson
CCBTD Team