Trevor Ford wrote:-
"The interim taxonomy of albatrosses be the basis for further research,
including research on the conservation status of albatrosses. This agreement
arose in recognition of the fact that the loss of, or threat to, small
populations that may be separate species or sub-species in the interim
taxonomy was of very serious concern."
Surely this is the crux of the matter. As a scientist, I too expect
scientific integrity from the community. But I have no confidence in the
integrity of any decision maker concerning the protection of a species, let
alone sub-species. Those who care for the environment are fighting a
constant battle against those who use any weapons that are available to
them, legal or otherwise. Although not necessarily consistent with my
scientific background, I would be in favour of doing everything possible to
protect whatever we have left, and if that means declaring species valid
then so be it.
It would be very silly to lose a population of albatrosses whilst we were
arguing about their specific status based on the quality of data currently
available."
I believe Trevor has well and truly hit the nail on the head here.
I too have a scientific background, but have spent part of my working life
working in conservation (always an uphill battle!). I agree with Trevor's
comments.
Surely the most important thing is to ensure the conservation of the World's
biodiversity. We can indulge in the pleasures of dividing up the
species/sub-species at our leisure. (My personal view is that the whole
species/sub-species scenario is best viewed as a continuum with few clean
break points... evolution after all is still very much in progress. So
wherever anyone may wish to draw a line in the sand, someone else may wish
to place it slightly further forward or further back).
I've only ever seen a single Chatham Albatross...but it was enough for me to
know that the World would be a poorer place without this
species/sub-species...or whatever.
Best Wishes to all on birding-aus from the (sadly Albatross-less Channel
Islands, UK).
Paul K Veron
To unsubscribe from this list, please send a message to
Include ONLY "unsubscribe birding-aus"
in the message body (without the quotes)
|
