Hi everybody -
I have to agree with Desley Williams and Tony
Crocker on this issue. Precautionary principle applies. Given that
people in most states are allowed to keep, breed and show them, what
if:
1. An effective biological method of
controlling, or even eradicating, foxes is developed and implemented, thereby
removing an ecological barrier to ferrets establishing viable wild
populations?
2. Ferret breeders smuggle in wild polecat
stock (or sperm) from Europe to 'improve the breed', (especially if keeping
and showing ferrets becomes more popular and prizes and prices go
up)?
These points are speculative, and ferrets are
not at the top of the conservation action priority pile at the moment, but
why ignore the evident (see New Zealand) potential for damage in the
future?
Cheers,
Hugo
Hugo Phillipps Queenscliff,
Vic
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