This sort of thing is par for the course in the hunting field. The specialty lobby groups try to pass these things. With hunting they add something small to something bigger. Each time the big one doesnt pass something small does. It always goes through as quietly as they can. Usually someone notices it and lobbies against it. As a hunter, I am writing letters weekly. Weekly. I would expect that people as passionate about your hobby as you guys would not mind writing letters, as that is what you shoud do. Make calls, emails, and send letters.
Just because a scientist said something doesnt mean you should beleive what they say. PeTA and other groups like HSUS pay scientists to perform "studies" as well as doctors. What kind of data is going to get "published" from a privately paid study? In hunting and trapping this sort of thing is common, as well as other fields in animal rights activists aim.
Coming from being attacked for decades from gun and hunting legislation initiatives, just because someone says its good doesnt make it so. Theres so much money from the animal rights industry it is absurd. They just want humans to not use, keep, or do anything with animals. Period. They arent interested in the details, whether keeping caudates in captivity may help the species survive. They could care less, they cant see past their noses in many cases. PeTA searches and research will help you find the mindset these people have.
If you want to keep caudates as pets, I would suggest you write a letter to someone in office that has control over it. Ive lost enough of my hobbies to special interest lobbies who only care about making money and being in the media.