unnamed + unknown = un

[Ron Gatrelle]

Ken,
    You obviously have recognized "variant" populations which some people
would have already described (named) as subspecies. I am definitely not for
just throwing a name on something for the (good) motive of protecting it. I
am for accurate scientific definition and if in the process that affords
insurance to populations of leps, and just as importantly, their habitat
that is a great added benefit.

    You have just stated that for 15 years you have been operating under a
misconception. What does this mean. It means you just had a paradigm
shift - which may take some time to fully sink in (a new way of thinking)
and then manifest itself (a new way of operating). For your "variant" leps
it leaves them just where they have been for the last 15 years -
unavailable for protection as they are without a names.

    Now since it usually takes two to three years anymore to get a leps
paper through the review mill, I hope 1) that noting dramatic happens on
the Alaskan eco-industrial front due to the paradigm shift in Washington,
and 2) that there is time to publish a name before the unnamed is
unavailable.

Ron

PS   I view these on-line chats as living room conversation. Things said to
one are said to all. Further, I do not have a tape recorder in my living
room to record every thing ever said - though sometimes such good things
are spoken in a living room that you wish you did have it on tape. I delete
most, save few.


 
 ------------------------------------------------------------ 

   For subscription and related information about LEPS-L visit:

   http://www.peabody.yale.edu/other/lepsl