Ravofox
back to Aussie foxying!
I was wondering. What do all you guys think about invasive species?
Most of you would probably know about the damage a lot of non-native species have caused when they've been introduced into a new environment. Native ecosystems become degraded, species become extinct.
But, whose fault is this? It's our species', not theirs. I don't hate those who did it, but it was incredibly stupid and often for cruel reasons, such as for hunting, and only ended in tears for native animals, humans and the invader (or kidnapped more like) themselves. I get pretty upset when people talk about these species in a vitriolic way, like 'they're disgusting animals' or 'it deserves to die', as if they deliberately intended to come over and ruin environments. And to say that they have no right to live simply due to circumstances that were beyond their control is a pretty nasty sentiment in my opinion, and I feel the same way whether it's a Cane Toad, horse, fox (yes, I'm a bit biased) or whatever.
Now, I completely understand why people have this attitude, and don't get me wrong, I know full well the damage invasive species cause and that culling is something which unfortunately must be used to help deal with the issue. But, I think it needs to be recognised that it's not their fault, and that they should be respected as living things which just try to make do as much as any native species. I also know that while culling is necessary, there are other methods such as deterrence and enclosure which have been shown to have some impact in protecting wildlife.
Well, that's my take on it. What do y'all think?
Most of you would probably know about the damage a lot of non-native species have caused when they've been introduced into a new environment. Native ecosystems become degraded, species become extinct.
But, whose fault is this? It's our species', not theirs. I don't hate those who did it, but it was incredibly stupid and often for cruel reasons, such as for hunting, and only ended in tears for native animals, humans and the invader (or kidnapped more like) themselves. I get pretty upset when people talk about these species in a vitriolic way, like 'they're disgusting animals' or 'it deserves to die', as if they deliberately intended to come over and ruin environments. And to say that they have no right to live simply due to circumstances that were beyond their control is a pretty nasty sentiment in my opinion, and I feel the same way whether it's a Cane Toad, horse, fox (yes, I'm a bit biased) or whatever.
Now, I completely understand why people have this attitude, and don't get me wrong, I know full well the damage invasive species cause and that culling is something which unfortunately must be used to help deal with the issue. But, I think it needs to be recognised that it's not their fault, and that they should be respected as living things which just try to make do as much as any native species. I also know that while culling is necessary, there are other methods such as deterrence and enclosure which have been shown to have some impact in protecting wildlife.
Well, that's my take on it. What do y'all think?