These three reasons were presented to support the protection of predatory animals in general, but they are particularly applicable to the situation in our national parks as our parks are considered the most important sanctuaries for the protection of predators. To date there has been no comprehensive study of the animal situation in the national parks, but in Yellowstone and Yosemite, where the most work has been done, results indicate that the predators are far from safe in those parks. In many instances, the animals are exposed to an open season all around the park. With such a condition existing, it may only be a matter of time until the animal becomes extinct, even in the protected area because of the steady outside drain on the species.
Predatory animals are apt to be affected by the contacts with people so that the natural balance is destroyed by the change in the animal itself besides the change in its relation to the other animals. This does net apply only to predatory animals. Allan Brooks of British Columbia stated this when he said, “The garbage-can grizzlies of our parks can have little value in the study of the life-history of the animal.”
References:
Journal of Mammology, Vol. 9, p. 354; Vol. 7, p. 37; Vol. 6, p. 83; Vol. 6, p. 25, 28.
Discussion
It is generally accepted that if we are to maintain the natural balance it is necessary to keep predators as well as representatives of non-predatory species.
Intelligent planning should govern the extent to which man will attempt to influence the natural balance.
Mr. Dixon’s statement that poisons should not be used in the control of predatory animals in any of the national parks was endorsed by all present.
The following statements relative to the maintenance of the natural balance were recorded:
- Even in national parks it is practically impossible to maintain a natural balance because boundaries produce an element of artificiality.
- The natural balance is never a static condition. Natural communities are constantly changing. It is impossible to maintain a static condition in a natural area.
- Participation by man in the protection of park fauna or flora (including insect control, tree disease control, predatory animal control, and control of fires caused by natural conditions) introduces an artificial element.
- In endeavoring to maintain as nearly as possible a natural balance a definite administrative plan should be formulated which should be based upon the studies by specialists.
- No exotic species of plants or animals should be introduced in the national parks. Any contemplated introduction of native species should be referred to Educational Headquarters for study by experts before action is taken.
- Every reasonable effort should be made to prevent the extermination of native species, even though some measure of artificial control may be necessary.
- Any control measures, designed to influence the natural balance (including control of predatory animals), should be based upon careful scientific study and a definite predetermined plan of action.
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