Comments on: Studying Wildlife to Death?

By: Jordan Green

Jordan Green — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:59:21 +0000

I agree somewhat, I think over examination of wildlife could lead to animals becoming to comfortable with humans in the wild which could lead to poachers gaining an advantage. But one thing to think about is that these researchers are creating awareness, and awareness brings about funding, and funding leads to wildlife sanctuaries. Awareness is our greatest ally to save any kind of wildlife populace. Wildlife Media, a conservation organization that has combined video media and conservation in an effort to bring greater awareness about wildlife and wild places they are trying to protect. They are currently working on a movie called BEARTREK which takes you around the world to learn about the most endangered species of bears in the world. This is the proper avenue for awareness, highlight specific animals and the researchers working to understand them. Check out WildlifeMedia.org and the BEARTREK trailer! I can’t wait for this movie to come out, hopefully we can help save the few species left.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:55:56 +0000

Definitely a different perspective on the issue of nature conservancy. I agree with this point. Sometimes conservationists can be a little too intrusive. It’s like an overbearing parent, their intentions are there, but are just a little misguided.

By: Larry Thorngren

Larry Thorngren — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:39:48 +0000

The biggest problem with radio collars and other tracking devices is that they do not magically appear on the studied animals. They are often put on the animals after exhausting helicopter chases and the use of dangerous immobilizing drugs.

By: Darren Bishop

Darren Bishop — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:40:44 +0000

I see some benefits to (somewhat) obtrusive means of tracking particular species. It’s difficult to have a strong opinion on either side of this issue – perhaps a more discriminating use of these measures is in order. Radio collaring for scientific curiosity is not warranted. Doing the same to determine protection zones or critical habitat is certainly a different story.

By: Seth Platt

Seth Platt — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:36:47 +0000

The Florida Panther collar program was discontinued earlier this year. With less than 100 animals left in a region with increasing development pressure this may be an occurrence when loss of a collar program is problematic. The species was showing signs of recovery thanks to conservation efforts, and collars showed that their range was increasing, which could have expanded their protection zone, but alas now we will not know how far they may roam or be protected.

By: Larry Thorngren

Larry Thorngren — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:43:02 +0000

I spend a lot of time in our national parks and I see far too many animals equipped with intrusive radio collars. It is overdone and the studies seem to be never ending.