New Is Not Always Better

Homo sapiens have a tendency to alter the landscape. As creatures of habit, we attempt to control our surroundings to create comfort and familiarity. For many of us, it's difficult to simply let go. Rather than embrace the new, we clear the surroundings and inject neatly patterned forms: vast carpets of pure green sod, trimmed hedges framed by linear rows of blooming perennials. Our control of nature doesn't stop there. European Starlings for example, have propagated on this continent because, over a century ago, someone decided to introduce to North America all the creatures mentioned in Shakespearian works. The intrepid Starling adapted and is now a conspicuous part of our natural landscape.

The issue of introduced species is a touchy one. Many sportsmen want to pursue introduced game like Ring-necked Pheasant in Ontario. The hunters' lobby is a powerful one, backed by big bucks. Why should we say no to them? They pump money into the economy.

Then there's the case of Vancouver's Crested Mynas. Introduced in the late 19th century, over the years, they have become familiar friends to many locals. Unfortunately, their numbers have perilously dwindled down to two. Advocates are calling for efforts to re-establish them. After all, they are now considered a unique part of British Columbia's avifauna. I know it's not the Mynas fault they became a piece of the Vancouver landscape. However, if their numbers declined so much, perhaps they are not well adapted to survive Western Canada's urban environments.

Let's step back and examine the impact of introducing species. One only has to analyse the irreparable damage caused in Hawaii to realize why we need tight controls on this process.

On the Hawaiian Islands, all native songbirds below 3000 feet elevation are either extirpated or extinct. All the ones now found at low elevations were brought from other continents within the last few centuries. With the introduction of new birds came disease. This was not a problem until mosquitoes were introduced (possibly a deliberate act). The mosquito was the vector, carrying disease from introduced birds to native ones. Fortunately, this annoying insect cannot survive above 3000 feet. Otherwise, all endemic Hawaiian songbirds might be only a memory.

Another serious problem facing the Island's natural ecology is the feral pig, goat, dog, cat and mongoose population. These prolific introductions have either devastated habitat or impacted on nesting success. The good news is that Hawaiian environmental groups have performed valiant efforts to save what's left of their natural heritage, with some success. In several places, you can still find graceful seabirds or beautiful Honeycreepers in good numbers. The (Hawaiian Goose), the state's official bird, was near extinction in 1951. It's now doing reasonably well.

But, like the Crested Myna of Vancouver, a few endemic Honeycreepers teeter on the verge of extinction. On the Eastern slopes of Maui, naturalists can only find three "Poo-uli". Efforts to bring a pair together for mating have failed. The future doesn't look good for this tiny rare creature. It may be curtains for the Myna's population in Vancouver, but, the Poo-uli needs a miracle to prevent total extinction. Unlike the Myna, there are no other populations anywhere to transport into its natural home.

So, why should we care? Many reasons incite me to revisit this topic in a future Cyber Quills. For now, I will simply advocate that we all improve the longevity of our planet, and its diversity. Remember, we can vote! Collectively, we can elect responsible leaders who are sensitive to long-term global issues, conservation and who care for future generations (rather than immediate excessive comforts). Let's continue to enjoy what we have with sustainability in mind. And, if we can influence others to appreciate nature, it should help prevent extinctions and assist conservation matters in the long run.

Since writing the last installment of Cyber Quills, the last two remaining Crested Mynas have died, as a result of city traffic.
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