Final answer:
Tweats and Whitehurst are likely raising reptiles and amphibians to supply the demand for food sources like frog legs, for research purposes due to amphibians' observable embryonic development, and for the growing pet trade. Their operations could also help in sustaining biodiversity by reducing the need to harvest from the wild.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tweats and Whitehurst are raising reptiles and amphibians likely for multiple reasons, as indicated by the information provided. One central purpose is to meet the growing international and domestic demand for amphibian food sources, such as frog legs, which are widely consumed across various parts of the world. Commercial frog farming plays an increasing role in this, although a significant trade in wild-caught specimens also exists. The United States and European Union are notable importers, with countries like Indonesia and China being primary exporters.
In addition to this, amphibians are studied for their developmental processes since amphibian embryos are ideal for research due to their lack of a shell, making these embryos easily observable. Particularly in biology and embryology, the simplicity of the amphibian's developmental stages allows for easier study and understanding of developmental biology.
Another facet of their business may relate to the surge of interest in amphibians and reptiles as pets. The pet trade has seen significant growth in recent years, and due to the perceived ease of care and the long lifespans of these animals, they have become popular pets. However, this trade presents challenges such as inappropriate care information and the potential release of unwanted pets into the wild.
As environmental and ecological considerations also play a role in their operations, the farming of amphibians can be more sustainable than harvesting from wild populations, helping to preserve natural biodiversity and reduce pressure on wild species.