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Editorial: Endangered Species -- May We Ask Why?
May 2nd, 2007

Editorial: Editorial: a Free Press
April 21st, 2007

Editorial: Airboat Noise
April 7th, 2007

Editorial: Another Delay in Dock Repair
March 5th, 2007

Editorial: Are Some Technological Wonders Economically Impractical?
February 27th, 2007

Editorial: Editorial: Weakest Tax Link Examined
December 22nd, 2006

Editorial: A New Year`s Resolution -- For the Levy County Commission
December 10th, 2006

Editorial: Political Tides
November 17th, 2006

Editorial: Blue Pencil Needed on Levy County Budget
October 30th, 2006

Editorial: Fiscal Incompetence?
October 2nd, 2006

Editorial: Paddlers May Get Hit in Pocket
September 18th, 2006

Editorial: Time for Another Cedar Key Tea Party?
August 30th, 2006

Editorial: Automotive Turning Point
August 11th, 2006

Editorial: Are There Limits to Southern Hospitality?
July 24th, 2006

Editorial: Armadillos and Anthros
July 9th, 2006

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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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