Human Meddling Often Comes Back to Bite Us

Some examples of humans meddling with nature, with problematic consequences (often for our own species) are detailed (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/nov/22/what-happens-when-humans-meddle-with-nature-aoe). A first example, involved Indian vultures. They were poisoned, as a result of eating cow carcasses, treated with diclocfenac. Diclocfenac is an anti-inflammatory drug, formerly given to cattle in South Asia. Removal of the vultures, caused a surge in feral dog numbers (there was extra meat). There was a consequent increase in human rabies cases, following dog bites. A second example is provided by Mao Zedong's ordering the slaughter of Chinese House sparrows. Mao believed this would increase the availability of rice and grains to people. Actually, insect pests are a major part of the Sparrow's diet. Pests consequently surged, resulting in crop damage, famine and about 45 million human deaths. A third case, involved the chytrid fungus that ripped through the amphibian populations of Panama and Costa Rica in the period 1980 to 1990. About 90 species of amphibians became extinct. This was followed by an 8-year spike in malarial deaths in the region. This was due to mosquito populations thriving in the absence of frogs, toads and salamanders. The mosquito is, of course, a vector for the malarial parasite. Fourthly, losses of Mangroves from coastal areas greatly increased damage caused by the 2004 Asian tsunami. Fifthly, we now have a situation, where the loss of Honey bees (by overuse of pesticides) in China, now requires many fruit trees to be pollinated by hand. The account finally notes that loss of coral reefs which reduces the protection of coastal poperties around the world. One can add to this, the case of the Mongoose. This animal was introduced to the sugar cane fields of Hawaii, to deal with rat infestations. The trouble is that the Mongoose is diurnal (active in daylight), whereas rats are nocturnal (mainly active at night). The Mongoose consequently fed on endangered, ground-nesting birds, like the Nene goose. Rats thrived amongst the sugar cane. Humans are sometimes more trouble than they are worth!