Dear Tony,
If the PSC (phylogenetic species concept) comes to Australia, the next door
budgie will be a new species too! But if that is what people want, I am
delighted to be paid for it. I have nothing but respect for the techniques
involved but the concept, itself, is naive. Also, I think the California
Condor project (and its success) was gallant and outstanding for
humans.
But that is not the point: the problem with Coxen's Figparrots is whether
its recent sightings should be listed with paranormal fauna? There is good
evidence that the bird has gone to meet Darwin: it's extinct and
pushing up the daisies.
Thus, the question: Are Government agencies flogging a dead parrot with
precious quids?
Similarly, with the people who see the parrot: should they be analyzed for
wakeful, dream-sequencing brought on by powerful, wish-fulfillment
behaviours. This type of investigation has shown excellent explanatory
power with people who claim to have been kidnapped by aliens. There was a
good article on our paranormal fauna and this by Ralph Molnar and Greg
Czechura in the Australian Skeptics many years ago.
Shoot me down in flames if I am wrong, but Coxen's Figparrot sightings are
remarkably like fish stories: the one that got away - and what a shame no
one else saw it.
Best wishes
Glen Ingram
Annerley, Australia.
"My other computer is a scarlet-sided pobblebonk."
----------
> From: Tony Clarke <>
> To:
> Subject: Re: Coxen's Fig-Parrot
> Date: Saturday, 11 October 1997 1:56
>
> Hi Glen,
>
> Harsh words. After all being a taxonomist you should be well aware what
> will happen to the little beast if the P.S.C. gets accepted. Yes, we'll
all
> have to go and tick it off. This could be rather difficult if it has
ceased
> to exist. I agree with your point about other forms of life, especially
the
> disappearing frogs but surely an attempt to save this bird is better than
> letting it die out. Think of what the yanks have spent on the Condor
> project, the money put into Coxen's Fig-Parrot must be insignificant.
>
> Tony
>
>
>
> Tony Clarke
> C/ República Dominicana, Nº 61,
> Barrio de Fátima,
> 38500 Güimar,
> Tenerife,
> Canary Islands,
> SPAIN.
>
> Tel: +34 22 524291
> Fax:
> E-Mail:
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