CNF opposes some ranching

The Canadian Nature Federation's Board of Directors, after study- ing both sides of the issue, has issued a policy statement that the con— cept of big game ranching is incompatible with the principles of natura— lists. Big game ranching is defined as the raising of big game for the production of red meat and other products for public consumption and use. It does not refer to the market hunting of wild ungulate populations.

The CNF identified the following significant potential adverse en- vironmental effects:

1. Habitat degradation caused by overgrazing and overbrowsing.

2. Manipulation of forage involving the displacement of native plants through planting programs.

3. Degradation of the wild gene pool and displacement of native wildlife due to the escape of ranched animals.

4. Spread of diseases from ranched to wild animal populations.

5. The likelihood of new predator control programs on and near big game ranches.

6. The likelihood of control programs for other wildlife which may com— pete for habitat or carry diseases affecting ranched species.

7. The likelihood of increased poaching as big game ranching increases the market for wildlife products.

8. Reversal of the historic ban on the sale of wild game, a conservation measure which arose from concerns about the effects of market hunting

9. Reduced public support for conservation, if wildlife becomes increas— ingly privatized.

10. Large big game ranches may provide barriers to migration of wild species.

11. Official encouragement of trade in wildlife products, such as antlers, may increase demand for similar materials from endangered species, such as the rhino.

Bird reports

Great Blue Heron — 1 at Indian River, Jan. 14 (TC) Wood Duck - 1 at Vernon River, Jan. 19 (JA) Northern Goshawk - 1 chasing birds at Springvale feeder, Nov. 30 (GH) - 1 at Baldwins Road, Jan. 16 (GS,RR) - 1 at Indian River, Jan. 18 (TC) Sharp—shinned Hawk - 1 at East Royalty, Dec. 10 (MW) — 1 in Charlottetown feeding on starlings, Feb. 5 (IL)

Bald Eagle - 1 in New Glasgow, Jan. 31 (KC) Mourning Doves - 1 at East Royalty feeder, Dec. 10 (MW) Great Horned Owl — 1 heard hooting, Baldwin Road, Feb. 10 (GS,RR) Snowy Owl - 2 at Reeds Corner, Jan. 28-Feb. (GM) Short—eared Owl - 1 at Indian River in Nov. (TC) Boreal Owl — 1 road kill in Prince Co, fall of '87 (GMD) Belted Kingfisher — 1 at Indian River, Jan. 6 (TC) Northern (Common) Flicker - 1 at Ch'town feeder, Dec. 11, Jan. 20 (IL)

- 1 at Ch'town feeder, Dec. 27 (HN)

— 1 at Ch'tOWn feeder, Dec. 31 (IC) 1 at Mt. Edward Rd. feeder, Dec. 31 (VG) — 1 in New Dominion, Jan. 30 (WAB) Red—bellied Woodpecker — m. at St. Catherines, through Dec. (ROR)

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