Ahh the delightful APA half the time they have no idea what they are talking about. To be honest a lot of vets and the RSPCA don't either. Most hobbyists agree that taking animals from the wild is not good, wild farmed isn't ideal either but it is the only way some species are available. A lot of groups do help protect the enviroment their chosen species comes from by donating to conservation efforts etc in that area and yes without their efforts some places would no longer exist. I'm not 100% behind Chris Newman in his opinion that importation is necessary for this as surely donating to where your animal lives when wild would still happen.
It all comes down to being responsible with your pets, know where they come from, where they were bred etc and if you suspect they are illegal do not buy them. And always thoroughly research your planned pet and it's care etc. It's too easy to tar all owners with the same brush as the stupid and irresponsible ones. The same could be said about any animal or even children for that matter . Unless you get the dangerous kind, your average snake, frog, toad, lizard is less dangerous than a dog or cat.
