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Editorial: What Have We Learned?
September 3rd, 2005

Editorial: Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace
August 17th, 2005

Editorial: What Is a Consultant to Do?
July 5th, 2005

Editorial: Six Land Use Petitions in Play
June 25th, 2005

Editorial: Poaching & Plagiarism
June 13th, 2005

Editorial: Upward and Onward in 2005
May 24th, 2005

Editorial: Farewell Maureen
May 17th, 2005

Editorial: Speaking About Speak Out
May 10th, 2005

Editorial: Informed Voters Wanted
March 26th, 2005

Editorial: Health Needs Survey Well Received
February 12th, 2005

Editorial: Fire Protection, Fire Insurance and Tax Justice
January 25th, 2005

Editorial: Cedar Key Health Service Survey
January 14th, 2005

Editorial: New Year`s Resolution
December 31st, 2004

Editorial: Do We Need Better Healthcare in Cedar Key?
December 16th, 2004

Editorial: Help Defend Us
October 29th, 2004

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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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