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The report (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7335855.stm) that the Assembly AM's are going to approve a badger cull in Wales because of the belief in farming circles that these animals are implicated in the transmission of bovine TB to dairy cattle is at variance with the advice coming from wild-life experts. The claim by Minister Elin Jones that the present situation is 'unsustainable' is a bit odd as one could claim that the badgers were probably there before the cattle (so what is being sustained?). I wonder if anyone has considered the alternative strategy of discouraging farming in close proximity to existing setts? A separation zone could be encouraged and people financially compensated for the loss of their land rather than the loss of diseased cows. The claim that the cull will still leave the badger a protected species in Wales, doesn't seem to carry much weight if it eradicates the animal over much of its natural range.
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.
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
Badgering the Badger
The report (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7335855.stm) that the Assembly AM's are going to approve a badger cull in Wales because of the belief in farming circles that these animals are implicated in the transmission of bovine TB to dairy cattle is at variance with the advice coming from wild-life experts. The claim by Minister Elin Jones that the present situation is 'unsustainable' is a bit odd as one could claim that the badgers were probably there before the cattle (so what is being sustained?). I wonder if anyone has considered the alternative strategy of discouraging farming in close proximity to existing setts? A separation zone could be encouraged and people financially compensated for the loss of their land rather than the loss of diseased cows. The claim that the cull will still leave the badger a protected species in Wales, doesn't seem to carry much weight if it eradicates the animal over much of its natural range.
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