New Ontario Leps Regulations

[Donald Davis]

On Saturday, a sometimes noisy meeting of the Toronto Entomologists'
Association was held at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. Our guest
speaker outlined the new regulations concerning invertebrates under our
new Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. As noted earlier, among the 13
"specially-protected species" is the monarch.

The speaker indicated that he had received many inquiries from members
of The Monarch Watch, and stated that they are looking for ways to
support those who's primary interest in studying insects is as a
hobbyist/researcher/educator. They are primarily concerned with
regulating commercial ventures. Their philosophy is that wildlife should
be left in the wild, and that no one should have the right to do
whatever they want with wildlife (the example given was embedding
monarchs on an unlimited basis in plastic).

Unfortunately, when the Act was put together, the list of specially
protected species was included in the Act, as opposed to being appended
to the Act as regulations that could be modified. Thus this list will
not be changed or reviewed until the Act is reviewed - perhaps 3 to 5
years. The specially protected species are primarily "showy" species,
including the monarch and all swallowtails (including the black and
tiger swallowtail).

The speaker was quite frank about the fact that professional and amateur
entomologists in the province were not consulted. They are quite eager
to receive suggestions on how to remedy the present situation. They have
been sent copies of postings from this discussion group have found them
useful.  These gentlemen, who must administer this Act, are just now
finding out what entomological activities are carried out in Ontario.

The speaker was severely criticized by some members of the audience for
the difficulties that have been created for those involved in the study
of insects in Ontario and the lack of public consultation.

Don Davis
Toronto, ON

P.S. Guest speaker at the January 22, 2000 meeting of the Toronto
Entomologists' Association will be Dr. David Gibo, speaking about
Migration Strategies of Butterflies and Dragonflies. Dr. Gibo has used
radar and his glider in his studies. The November 27th meeting concerns
Biological Insect Control and the October 23rd meeting describes
Butterflies and Dragonflies of Pardise (Sri Lanka).