Yes, they aren't the best examples, comparing animals and plants. I could
only think of some population-level non-cp examples, not as charismatic as
Auks :-)
> There is the arguement that goes... if everybody that visited took only
> one, soon there wouldn't be any...versus the guy that visits and takes
> the lot. I personally believe that the best way to preserve a species of
> plant is to leave it alone in its place. If that can not be done, then
> rather then waste time waiting for the lawyers to sort things out,
> collect it, propagate it and DISTRIBUTE it to all and sundry. If a
> nominal charge is levied, whats the problem? The plant doesn't care as
> long as it is grown and propagated, its progeny widely distributed, it
> has accomplished its purpose. Try and trace where all of your plants
> came from originally.
The idea that plants in cultivation will deter further collecting is
attractive, but I am led to wonder...
How many times do plants have to be collected in order to become
established in cultivation? Every N. American CP spp. has been
collected and tried in cultivation--many times. Why is there any need
to collect any more? Why can't people obtain thier plants from
cultivated sources rather than the wild? Have plants fallen out
of cultivation? Shame on the growers! What does this say about the
longevity of plants under cultivation? And what does the lack of
longevity and dissemination say about the idea that cultivated plants
will deter collection? Food for thought.
Michael Chamberland