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It appears (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/earth-environment/article6917367.ece) that Reindeer imported into the UK, often as augmentations for Santa's grottoes, are prone to premature death. These animals often appear to pick up infections from agricultural stock or suffer from mineral loss (perhaps due to inadequate diets). The requirements of these animals appear not to be well-known as the beasts are generally kept by non-specialist farmers (they might well do better in zoos), more familiar with cows and sheep. This is just another illustration of the difficulties that are sometimes encountered when one removes animals from their rather specialist local environments to very different conditions.
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.
Sunday 15 November 2009
Santa's Little Helpers Suffer?
It appears (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/earth-environment/article6917367.ece) that Reindeer imported into the UK, often as augmentations for Santa's grottoes, are prone to premature death. These animals often appear to pick up infections from agricultural stock or suffer from mineral loss (perhaps due to inadequate diets). The requirements of these animals appear not to be well-known as the beasts are generally kept by non-specialist farmers (they might well do better in zoos), more familiar with cows and sheep. This is just another illustration of the difficulties that are sometimes encountered when one removes animals from their rather specialist local environments to very different conditions.
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