I'm not buying into either side of this argument, but in the spirit of
having an informed debate, I thought I'd take this opportunity to let
Birdng-aussers know about a children's book on Honey Possums
<www.honeypossum.com.au>, which has just recently been released.
The book is written by Felicity Bradshaw, the wife of Don Bradshaw, Emeritus
Professor of Zoology at the University of WA. It is based on the results of
20 years of solid scientific research that Don and his research group have
conducted on this species. The book explains the ecological requirements of
Honey Possums and how inappropriate bushfire regimes can affect the status
of this species, one of the most ancient extant mammals in Australia. Honey
Possums don't occur in Victoria, they occur in south-western Australia, but
the book it is a worthwhile contribution to the bushfire debate. Perhaps one
that Miranda Devine should read.
Felicity's intention in writing this book was to educate the next generation
of environmental managers the importance of appropriately managing our
natural environment, particularly in relation to bushfires, for the purposes
of maintaining native biodiversity.
No, I'm not a sales agent for this book and I haven't anything to gain
financially from promoting it. The only thing to declare is that Don
Bradshaw was my Ph.D supervisor in the early 1980s. I just thought it was
useful to throw it into the current debate.
Stephen Ambrose
Ryde, NSW
-----Original Message-----
From:
On Behalf Of Greg & Val Clancy
Sent: Thursday, 19 February 2009 12:05 PM
To: Robert Inglis; Birding-Aus
Subject: Re: columnists on the Bush Fires, a caution
Hi Bob,
You have made some good points about free speech etc. but the biggest
frustration for scientists is that we have to have some sound basis or
evidence for our views but non-scientists, including journalists, can make
the most outrageous claims that are accepted by many as 'facts'. The
problem with this misinformation is that it affects politicians and
bureaucrats in their decision making. This sort of irrational ranting will,
potentially, result in a large amount of ecological damage being done in the
name of fire prevention.
But I accept that, unfortunately, we have to live with the vitriol and
irrationality of these uninformed people as we live in a democracy. But I
can't help getting frustrated and cranky with them.
Regards
Greg Clancy
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