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Species..
GoodOlBoy,
Interesting that you brought up the species issue... it's come up in other discussions as well. Here's the last email I sent over to the Ministry of Natural Resources regarding the subject. Awaiting a response. Anyone know the answer to the question?
"March 3, 2005 10:19:39 PM
To : <bob.johnston@mnr.gov.on.ca>
CC : <TheriaultJoel@hotmail.com>
Bob,
Really enjoyed the informative conversation we had this afternoon. I just had one last question that I forgot to ask, which I'm hoping you can refer over to the biologists.
How does the MNR define 'species'?
So, what characteristics would the MNR need to find to characterize the white moose strain from Foleyet as a new species?
Also along those same lines, what is the difference between a 'black duck' and a 'mallard' ? Is a black duck considered a different species, or merely a sub-species? I'm just asking because the government has different guidelines regarding harvesting limits for these two types of ducks, yet they appear to be exactly the same with the difference being the darkness / color ... They can interbreed successfully ... I'm just trying to figure out why the government makes a distinction between the two types of ducks, and turn the idea to the white moose strain of Foleyet.
Also, I forgot to ask what options were on the table for protection measures... I.e. Protection from hunting? Live capture? Better yet, what options are not on the table at this point? "
Joel
Anyone else know the answer to the question?
Good Old Boy - "HOWEVER if the are just a variation then I don't think they should be any more or less protected than normal animals. If you start that how long is it before you start protecting them based on hoof color, antler shape, of nostril size?"
I guess it all depends why these variations are appearing? Many would say that ear lobe size doesn't matter, and shouldn't make a difference regading protection... but the different types of Elephants in Africa seem to indicate that it makes a huge difference, and its beneficial to have larger ears for cooling purposes.
It seems to be beneficial for many animals to have white fur pattens living in the north (polar bear, artic fox, artic rabbit) .... whereas the same pattern may not be so adapt for animals living in the south...
antler shape - what exactly is the difference between a mule deer and a white tail?
The real crux of the issue is that I'm not calling for an all out ban on hunting, I'm just talking about protecting 4 or 5 animals out of 100,000 ... Is that really too much to ask for?
Joel
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