Giant Pandas, an endangered species, were in the headlines a few months ago when an earthquake caused landslides in the panda refuge. The entire population of pandas is about 1600. Destruction of suitable habitat is a major cause of a species becoming in danger of extinction, That is true particularly for large mammals where human populations press in on wild areas. Playful, cute pandas have admirers on a world-wide basis; therefore they are recipients of extensive conservation measures. Beyond habitat destruction, species become endangered by man-made toxicants and economic exploitation. Pelicans, Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons and Ospreys are species that were destined for extinction by the use of DDT. Bird populations have recovered due to recognition of the problem and stopping DDT use. The American Buffalo was near extinction under the double whammy of habitat loss and mindless exploitation by market hunters. Limits on hunting have allowed White-tail Deer to thrive in many areas over the past fifty years. Large mammals and humans can coexist. Conservation efforts have saved the California Sea Otter, Grey Whale and other marine mammals. These species draw tourists and tourist dollars. The marine habitat would seem to be so vast that it could not be effectively poisoned or over-harvested. Yet respected scientists see carbon dioxide as a threat. Furthermore, the over-harvest of whales, anchovies and cod has proven the limits of even the oceanic resources. Habitat destruction and over-harvest come from competing economic interests. Which brings us to the recent closure of grouper fishing? The short-term economic interests of both commercial and sports fishing industries are at stake. Locally we see the economic interest of a paper mill in Perry, FL resulting in dumping mill waste into the Gulf of Mexico. So, when the next conservation debate arises, keep in mind whose economic interest is behind the rhetoric. | 