Conservation Thread

Carlo A. Balistrieri (cabalist@facstaff.wisc.edu)
Tue, 26 Nov 1996 07:17:36 -0600

Michael C.and John B. make some good points (everyone has) but let's step
back from the map issue for a second to see if what is proposed makes a
difference. It appears that the main objection to a good CP map is that some
ne'er-do-wells will use it to strip habitat clean. The posts on this issue
make it clear that there are many sources of site information. Much of the
detailed information came, not from conservationists but from scientists and
plant lovers (including growers). Is it going to make it that much easier to
locate populations if a map is produced? Couldn't the collectors get the
site information from other sources anyway? Aren't some of you
underestimating these plant poachers?

Because I've done a fair amount of CITES work, I have been exposed to
information on plant trade and smuggling. You wouldn't believe what people
will do to illegally obtain plants and animals. You can regulate (or
restrict map access) until you're blue in the face. If Joe Plantnut wants to
collect wild fly traps bad enough, he'll find a way to do it. These guys
don't need a map.

Producing the map eliminates one small step in the process. Books, journal
articles, herbarium specimens and data and the internet make all of this
information available to everyone.

I take no position on whether it should be done or not. I really haven't
thought it through and don't know. Do the maps of the homes of Hollywood
stars cause them to be robbed more than others?

I think there is a minor but real, logically fallacy in assuming a causal
relationship between the existence of this data and plant poaching.

Carlo

Carlo A. Balistrieri, J.D. Email: CABalist@facstaff.wisc.edu
P.O. Box 327
Ashippun, WI 53003-0327
U.S.A.
Voice: 414.474.7771
Telefax: 414.474.7772