This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Friday 27 November 2009
It Doesn't Bear Thinking About Cobber!
There is an interesting account of the 'koala wars' in Australia (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/23/koala-extinction-australia-political-war). The marsupial Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) was given its generic name, meaning 'pouched bear', in 1816 by the French naturalist de Blainwill but it is, of course, not remotely a bear. It neither looks much like a bear nor acts like one. This eucalyptus-gobbling specialist might well have been more reasonably called a 'panda' had it been named by a Chinese naturalist. The marsupials have generally been given names by immigrants that reflect beasts with whom the namers were familiar in their home locations. In spite of its unpleasant temperament, the koala has had a makeover to become an emblem of Australia. Unfortunately, it is predicted to become extinct 'within 30 years' which is causing local angst (especially as humans are largely responsible for its plight).
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