In considering the shooting of the Tolderol Yellow Chat and those who have
'moral indignation' we should remember that most of us are omnivorous and
condone the slaughter and butchering of hogs, sheep, cattle, chickens,
ducks, turkeys,geese etc for our own consumption. Vegetarians occupy higher
moral ground.
This being said I do not agree with the killing of the bird and the
situation in South Australia:-
1.As well documented by Laurie Conole the science was weak.
2.If it was felt necessary to examine the biometrics of the bird, mist
netting
would have been a non-lethal alternative. When catching passerines with
trained operators mortality is very low.
3.The bird was shot very soon after it was found thus depriving many people
who do not have the time time and means of visiting the remote interior
of enjoying a rare species.
I do not think there is anything to be gained by targeting the shooter
(with whom I am not acquainted) who has done much good ornithological and
conservation work in South Australia. The problem lies with the current
collecting permit system operated by the South Australian Museum. I would
suggest that anyone who has concerns should write to the well known
director, Mr.Tim Flannery, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide
5000.
With regard to the collection of birds I feel the S.A.Museum should:-
1. Immediately rescind any open ended collecting permits.
2. Conduct a review of collecting guidelines recognising that it is now
unacceptable to many people in Australia and has all but ceased in
NW Europe.
3. Any collecting permits to be issued on a case by case basis by a committee
which should include people from outside the S.A.Museum.
Regards to all,
Neil Cheshire
Eden Hills,
South Australia.
Birding-Aus is on the Web at
www.shc.melb.catholic.edu.au/home/birding/index.html
To unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message
"unsubscribe birding-aus" (no quotes, no Subject line)
to
|
