Conditions for Overcollecting

[Bruce Walsh]

Some of the comments from the US Fish and Wildlife services contained in
the recent posting (by Neil) on the potential listing of the Sacramento
Mountains Checkerspot inspired me to think about the parameters underwhich
overcollecting can be a serious issue.

I'm interested in the thoughts of others on the Leps-l about which
factors can make a population vulnerable  to overcollecting.  I'm especially
interested in examples, either valid or cited by others, where overcollecting
has caused significant harm to a population.

I'm NOT trying to restart the collecting debate, so please let's start
the last year of the old millennium with a truce on this issue.  Rather, I
think that all sides will agree that there are certainly populations where
modest collecting has at best a trivial effects.  Likewise, I think all
sides will agree that there can be conditions underwhich very significant
collecting can have a serious impact.  What are these conditions?  All
thoughts are welcome.  You can send them to me or post them for the amusement
of all of the list.

Peace

Bruce