Questions

[Kondla, Norbert FOR:EX]

I use both binoculars and nets and other tools to interact with the natural
world. I also came to butterflies by way of botany and also birds.  Nothing
wrong with opening this can of worms so long as the can is opened all the
way:
- How many watchers are there ?
- Why do they watch ?
- What portion of watchers are involved with scientifiic activity ?
-What effect does watching have on populations ?
- How vigorous is anti-watching activity ?
- Are there any cogent arguments against watching ?
One will need to be careful about the numbers generated because the how many
number will unavoidably double count the many people who both watch and
collect. Numbers (even the same numbers) can be artfully used to support
more than one interpretation. Numbers by themselves have no significance. I
would be inclined to not worry about arguments being cogent or non-cogent
and simply collect the arguments.  Different people will have different
opinions about whether or not a particular argument is cogent.
-- ex-birdwatcher engaged in more productive pursuits :-)
-----Original Message-----
From: William Engell [mailto:wengell at erie.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 5:16 PM
To: leps-l at lists.yale.edu
Subject: Questions
 
 
As someone who is new to this site, and has been watching the "Re:the
extremists/ be careful" discussion, several questions come to mind.
 
How many collectors are there?
Why do they collect?
What portion of collectors are involved with scientific activity?
What effect does collecting have on populations?
How vigorous is anti-collecting activity?
Are there any cogent arguments against collecting?
 
I am utterly new to this particular debate.  I'm a binocular type, myself,
having come at butterflies by way of botany.  Would anyone do me the favor
of giving some background on the general situation?  Thanks.
 
 
 
 
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