Ferals

Some interesting comments here "for every bulbul you see, it is very likely that you are not seeing a native species."  "I never make a report on this list of feral sightings."

I comment, not because I'm a closet feral lover but because there are some interesting points to be made.  

The first point is that I'm not absolutely convinced of the validity of the first comment.  In grossly disturbed areas (which, let's face it, is where most Bulbuls reside) the number of native species has already been greatly reduced.  Bulbuls may displace the odd Silvereye but I'm sure there are many more Silvereyes holding their own.

The second is that I feel it is important to report sightings of feral species.  How else do you generate data on range expansion or increases in numbers?  One can't just put one's head in the sand (merely an _expression_ - not for a moment suggesting this is the case here) and pretend that ferals will go away if we ignore them.  I suggested a little while ago that it's about time that someone (ie government) drew a line in the sand and attempted to arrest the spread of Common Mynas into areas they don't currently occupy.  We can only lobby for this (is Birds Australia making such a stand?) if we have the data to suggest that this species is continuing to spread.

Food for thought!

Cheers

David Geering
Regent Honeyeater Recovery Coordinator
Department of Environment & Conservation
P.O. Box 2111
Dubbo  NSW  2830
Ph: 02 6883 5335 or Freecall 1800 621 056
Fax: 02 6884 9382



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