> The swan article is amusing. But invasive species can be a major
> problem. Ask anyone who lives in upstate New York about all the cute deer.
Yeah, we have our charismatic mega fauna here too. European rabbit. The
NPS (National Park Service) suggested eradication using sharp shooters.
Quick, clean, effective, cheap and proven on Catalina Island. Man you
should have seen the rabid Bunny-huggers. No matter that the 10s of
thousands of rabbits had reduced the 100+ac prairie (and many other
properties) to a virtual gravel pit with man-trap holes. In the process
wiping out the ground nesting birds, small rodents and reptiles which
are the main prey of many raptors and foxes, endangered butterflies and
who knows what else. Their knowledge of or respect for science perhaps
even less than that of the Tea Party.
BUT RABBITS ARE CUTE!
Back story: These rabbits at one time (1960-70's) covered the island and
cost farmers and landowners $100k's to fence. 10 rabbits=1 cow.
<http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1076416/4/index.htm>
Slowly the rabbit numbers began to decline. Some speculated it was
reduced habitat due to fencing, disease, increase in predators (someone
released ferrets) and one study suggested that the grass developed a
natural defense which rendered the rabbits less fertile. Who knows. In
any event the population declined drastically until now only a few
pockets remain mostly on the prairie owned by the NPS which by the way
is looking much better although many of the repopulating plants are
themselves invasive.
<http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=5289> and others
A good opportunity to give them the coup de grass while at the nadir
no?? Not if the bunny-huggers have a say and my they are vocal! Facts?
Who needs facts when convenient anecdote and mistaken conclusions are
better? Few of the issues on below website have any historical or
scientific basis as was pointed out at a recent public meeting. It was
as if the professional scientists were talking to the air.
<http://www.saveourbunnies.org/Save_Our_Bunnies.html>
Mike
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