Hi Jack
Native species are surely the best indicator species we have. Because they
have been in tune with their environment for so long change in their
frequency almost certainly reflects change in habitat. Range extension in
exotics often only reflects continuing colonisation.
As an example, if treecreepers, lorikeets and honeyeaters go from common to
rare whilst Galahs and Crested Pigeons go from unknown to common you know
exactly what happened to the vegetation in that area.
Rob
----------
> From:
> To: Osborn, Paul PR <>
> Cc: 'Birding-aus' <>
> Subject: RE: local extinctions (Sydney, NSW)
> Date: Monday, 27 July 1998 14:08
>
> I was interested in a couple of the recent comments about Noisy Miners,
and
> their status as "indicators of environmental degradation". I'm quite
> comfortable with the notion that a species such as the Noisy Miner can
> readily take advantage of disturbed or modified habitats, and displace
> other species .............................I'm a bit anxious about the
broader
> implications of designating a native species (at least as a whole, rather
> than perhaps specific populations?) as an indicator of environmental
> degradation.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Jack Krohn
>
>
|
