birding-aus

Ferrets

To: "Birding Aus" <>
Subject: Ferrets
From: "Hugo Phillipps" <>
Date: Fri, 26 Nov 2004 14:01:49 +1100
Hi everybody -
 
I have to agree with Desley Williams and Tony Crocker on this issue.  Precautionary principle applies.  Given that people in most states are allowed to keep, breed and show them, what if:
 
1.  An effective biological method of controlling, or even eradicating, foxes is developed and implemented, thereby removing an ecological barrier to ferrets establishing viable wild populations?
 
2.  Ferret breeders smuggle in wild polecat stock (or sperm) from Europe to 'improve the breed', (especially if keeping and showing ferrets becomes more popular and prizes and prices go up)?
 
These points are speculative, and ferrets are not at the top of the conservation action priority pile at the moment, but why ignore the evident (see New Zealand) potential for damage in the future?
 
Cheers,
Hugo

Hugo Phillipps
Queenscliff, Vic
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