Hi Stephen
I do not consider it ethical to use live birds to attract a predator, if that is what is happening. This is no different from using live animals to train greyhounds to run, in response to which there was a huge and appropriate public outcry.
Presumably the Lorikeets are not actually killed in the process but they of course don't know this.
I also don't agree with trapping the Red Goshawks.
Gary
On Tue, 18 Dec 2018 at 11:32, Stephen Ambrose <> wrote:
Hi All, I tend to agree with Philip on this issue. I don't know anything about this project other than what Greg has written and what I've read in the link provided in the current email. But those people who are conducting this work would need approval to do it from the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme and an animal ethics experimentation committee, as well as having the necessary state permits to trap, handle and release wildlife. As part the approval process, those authorities sanction the methods used, ensure that adequately qualified and experienced researchers conduct the work (it looks like researchers from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Rio Tinto and Qld DES are involved http://www.riotinto.com/media/media-releases-237_26199.aspx ), and the researchers must report back on the types and numbers of animals handled, band and tag numbers, any difficulties they encountered, animal mortalities, suggestions on how techniques could be improved in future etc. If any of those authorities had concerns about the work, then they have the right to investigate and, if those concerns are upheld, then they can revoke the permits. Please note, I'm not defending Rio Tinto's actions, necessarily, I'm just pointing out the general process that is involved. It's possible that Greg has uncovered some unethical practices and outcomes that the permit-issuing authorities are not aware are happening, in which case he has provided a useful service but, on the other hand, as Philip said, it may be an over-reaction. Stephen Ambrose Ryde NSW From: Birding-Aus <m("birding-aus.org","birding-aus-bounces");" target="_blank">> On Behalf Of sandra henderson Sent: 18 December 2018 11:05 AM To: Birding-aus <m("birding-aus.org","birding-aus");" target="_blank">> Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Red Goshawk research A search using the words. rio tinto red goshawk reveals media releases and other publicity about the project. Personally I'm not sure a mining company is the right organisation to be doing it though Sandra henderson, Canberra.
On Tuesday, 18 December 2018, Philip Veerman <m("pcug.org.au","pveerman");" target="_blank">> wrote: Really? Can we be certain of this?
I am also rather concerned about this but then I wondered why. There can be useful benefits to learning about possible movements of these birds, and if Rio Tinto have the funds to support it, and others don't, I would guess that this (money) is an obvious answer to Michael's question about "What could possibly induce". Even so, why it should happen that way raises suspicions about motives and good work of Greg to bring to notice. It is odd if no information has been made available from this. Maybe it takes time. Even so at this stage I am wondering if there is an overreaction.
Philip
-----Original Message----- From: Birding-Aus [mailto:m("birding-aus.org","birding-aus-bounces");" target="_blank">] On Behalf Of Michael Hunter Sent: Tuesday, 18 December, 2018 8:01 AM To: <m("birding-aus.org","birding-aus");" target="_blank">> Subject: [Birding-Aus] Red Goshawk research
You can be certain that if Rio Tinto is not transparent about its Red Goshawk intervention then they will be killing at least some of them.
What could possibly induce the Queensland Government to hand this project to Rio Tinto itself rather than giving it to independent researchers.?
Michael
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