Mr. Rego:

        In case you were not aware, the purpose of Conch-L is to share molluscan
interests and NOT to dwell on off topic issues and/or hang-ups.  The notion
of introduced mollusks is one that will always be controversial whether
they are deliberate, unintentional, or via natural occurences.  However,
your mean spirited lambasting of other introduced species and suggesting
cruel solutions has no place on Conch-L and you owe everyone on the list an
immediate apology.

Sincerely,

Lindsey T. Groves
Nat. Hist. Mus. LA. County, Malacology
>
>From: Richard J Rego <[log in to unmask]>
>
>I agree with the eradication of introduced species.  Though it is
>possible with some species, such as goats, feral house cats, and possibly
>birds; it is nearly impossible with such introduced species as fish,
>insects, plants and to an extent, molluscs, especially with long-term
>introduced populations.  I have always figured that a bounty system would
>help.  A state/country/county/province/etc would come up with X amount of
>dollars that could be paid out to people bringing in the introduced
>species.  For example Peter, $10.00 for each bushel of Nuttalia.  The
>collected species could be used for a variety of purposes, i.e. the
>Nuttalia could be frozen and sold to commercial fisherman for bait or
>chum.  Birds, fish, feral house cats could be killed and ground-up for
>fertilizer (this doesn't settle well with the animal-rights type freaks
>out there who believe that introduced species should be saved [outside of
>their native habitats], especially the fuzzy furry little house cats).  A
>recent article I read stated that free-roaming domestic cats are
>non-native, food-subsidized predators that kill millions of birds,
>reptiles and small mammals every year in America.  Their efficiency is
>such that they are second only to humans in the number of extinctions
>directly attributed to their species.  So if you find an introduced
>species, do the environment a favor and step on it, run it over with your
>car, throw it against the wall, shoot it, just plain get rid of it.  Many
>native species will appreciate it.
>Boy, this post should bring some protest!!!
>
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Lindsey T. Groves
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Collection Manager, Malacology Section
900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 763-3376 (voice)
(213) 746-2999 (Fax)
[log in to unmask]  http://www.nhm.org/research/malacology/lgroves/index.htm
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