Monday, October 02, 2006
Reintroducing Megafauna to North America
In the November issue of The American Naturalist, a group of 12 ecologists and conservationists provide a detailed proposal for the restoration of North America's lost megafauna. Using the same species from different locales or closely related species as analogs, their project "Pleistocene Rewilding" is conceived as carefully managed experiments in an attempt to learn about and partially restore important natural processes to North American ecosystems that were present for millennia until humans played a significant role in their demise 13,000 years ago. Is ecosystem restoration that reintroduces large predators and reconnects fragmented habitats a real possibility? How do you feel about Pleistocene Rewilding?
Comments:
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I think it is foolish to attempt the reintroduction of charismatic megafauna before invasive and introduced species have been addressed fully.
# posted by 
: 10/07/2006 6:49 AM
: 10/07/2006 6:49 AM
Certainly there are some intriguing possibilities for an ancient large scale megafauna "zoo" here in North America. However, as an Idaho resident, I'd say that the current social/political climate here indicates that the citizens of our state generally are not in favour of even the *existing* megafauna (what little is left anyway) running amok, much less anything introduced...unless you issue permits to shoot them.
The money would be better spent toward enhancing/protecting remaining habitat for current native species.
The money would be better spent toward enhancing/protecting remaining habitat for current native species.
# posted by : 10/09/2006 4:37 PM
: 10/09/2006 4:37 PM
Why stop with megafauna? Perhaps in addition to reintroducing animals, the group of 12 will find a way to re-establish the Pleistocene climate. And then those people, animals and plants who find themselves under ice will just have to adapt.
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# posted by : 10/10/2006 9:46 AM
: 10/10/2006 9:46 AM<< Home
