>What can be done? The quality of the environment can be improved: less
>pollution, more effective ways of production, more efficient use of
>materials per person. Refuges can be set aside for whole forests and reefs.
>Zoos and botanical gardens can save a few plants and animals. Seed banks
>can be maintained, especially for the most important agricultural species.
>Expeditions can be financed to collect and record the organisms that live
>in threatened areas, and comprehensive monographs can be compiled on the
>organisms of particular regions. The dispersal of organisms to new habitats
>can be discouraged. Individuals can contribute money, or grow rare
>organisms in greenhouses, or document the fauna of their favorite area, or
>vote.

None of the factors you cited for potential extinctions include individual
collectors (who are often the ones who find the new species); however, much
of the legislation to "protect" the environment is aimed at or impacts the
individual collector. If no one is allowed to collect in an area, so no one
does, how will we ever know what is there? Scientists haven't the resources
to do all the research; amateurs are needed to help with field observations
and to bring "new" species to scientists' attention.

In developing countries, what is most needed is new ways for subsistence
farmers (and fishermen) to make a living without harming the environment.
Many private and public groups are trying to help with this.

Peggy Williams

Visit my website at http://www.mindspring.com/~shellelegant
                                  Peggy Williams
                                   Shell Elegant
                 PO Box 575     *     Tallevast FL 34270
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