it is not time for jubilation just yet, but the recent sighting of a young male wolverine in colorado made my ears perk up. it has long been my contention (as reflected in the name of this blog, explained in one of the first entries) that the health of any natural ecosystem is reflected in the presence and abundance of its top predators.
we humans have an abysmal record for murdering those creatures which we imagine to be a threat, or which we rationalize as being competitors over game animals. during the past two decades, it has been heartening to witness the return of the gray wolf to portions of the rocky mountain west, largely due to the tireless efforts of a few dedicated individuals and conservation groups. similarly, the bald eagle has staged a comeback after being placed under the protection of the endangered species act.
it is not news to readers of this journal, that i view human overpopulation as the root cause of nearly any social or natural ill you can name. one hopes that we can (a) discover acceptable ways for limiting our own numbers, thus (b) allowing large reaches of land to return to wilderness, opening the way for the return of both predator and prey species. the lives of all will be enriched beyond measure. so here's to you, young M-56. live long and prosper.
No comments:
Post a Comment