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Editorial: Anti-Environmental Bill: Save Florida From Harm
May 16th, 2013

Editorial: Problem Ordinances
May 8th, 2012

Editorial: Cedar Key Arts Show
April 28th, 2012

Editorial: Cedar Key Arts Show
April 20th, 2012

Editorial: Status of Nuclear Power as Savior
March 15th, 2012

Editorial: Advice to Letter Writers
February 13th, 2012

Editorial: 2011 is History
January 7th, 2012

Editorial: The History of Island Nations
December 24th, 2011

Editorial: Why You DON’T Pay for the Cedar Key News Online
November 11th, 2011

Editorial: Hoppin’ John ***
November 3rd, 2011

Editorial: What Decline?
October 10th, 2011

Editorial: Notes from a Slightly Bigger Island
October 8th, 2011

Editorial: Barking Mad
October 5th, 2011

Editorial: Fix the Bridges!
September 11th, 2011

Editorial: Catching the Right Wave
July 27th, 2011

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Endangered Species -- May We Ask Why?

Endangered Species -- May We Ask Why?

Editorial

Rats, cockroaches and Homo sapiens are about the only species that will never be on an endangered species list. That is because (to date) no poison, pesticide or pollutant has been created that can overwhelm the reproductive rates of those three species.

In contrast, just a few miles from Cedar Key a small subpopulation of Florida Scrub Jays teeters between growth and collapse. The Scrub Jay pictured above is a member of that population. Appropriate Scrub Jay habitat is shrinking in Florida, the Jay's only range. Habitat destruction is one cause of species endangerment.

On the other hand, Bald Eagles, California Condors and Brown Pelicans were severely reduced in numbers by man-made poisons. Banning DDT and 1080 has given those species a chance to survive. Buffalo, alligators and egrets were pushed to near extinction by over hunting. Now they have recovered very well. White tail deer, raccoons and many species of birds have adapted to life in suburbs and agricultural systems, thereby enriching the natural environment.

With rare exception, the threatened and endangered species of the world are in trouble because of man's activities. Wise management, judicious pesticide use and protection of crucial habitats can save many otherwise endangered animals from extinction.

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