Introductions

[Michael Gochfeld]

It may be important to know whether the cause of the original die-off or 
die-out is no longer operative.  For example, the broadcast use of 
pesticides to control Gypsy Moths probably considered to major die-offs 
and probably extirpations of several woodland butterflies (not to 
mention lots of other insects---fortunately for the agrochem industry, 
not the Gypsy Moth). 

	If pest control philosophies and procedures change, then the 
habitat would be conducive to reintroduction, assuming that colonists 
of the appropriate genotype could be used. 

	Where habitat fragmentation is the cause of die-offs, then it 
is likely that the same fate will befall introductions, sooner-or-later. 

	But, it finally depends more on ones individual philosophy 
regarding "management" vs "letting nature take its course".  Since we 
don't let nature take its course when we eliminate habitat and 
organisms, I'm not in favor of waiting for nature, when we have the 
opportunity to restore habitats or populations.  
	The tragedy is that we have to wait for a species to become 
endangered, before action is taken to protect it. 

M. Gochfeld