[leps-talk] Why aren't Mexico's overwintering monarchs in the news yet this winter?

[Mark Walker]

Michael Gochfeld wrote:

> 
> Well maybe if conservationists don't gain financially they gain from the
> sense of satisfaction and dedication, from being martyrs to a cause,
> however doomed it may seem at times.  Aren't those payoffs just as
> important as monetary reward and therefore shouldn't we doubt everything
> we hear and learn unless it has been provided by people who have no
> investment of any sort in anything at all.

Well, this seems awfully sarcastic and unnecessary; especially considering
how quick a similar doubt is raised when there is perceived gain on the
"other" side of these issues (dealers, breeders, wedding releasers,
pesticide salesmen, etc.).  Again, incredible double standards at work here.

As for the specific sarcasm here - sorry, but I don't automatically consider
all involved in "conservation" activities to be selfless altruists worthy of
praise and admiration.  What little I do know about this Monarch situation
is that it's the same people's names that keep appearing in print.  Yes,
that may be because they are the most selfless individuals on the planet -
but it is also likely that it's because they are heavy into self-promotion.
I know Bob Parcelles can appreciate this - as I'm sure his team of folks are
doing everything they can to get media attention.

Perhaps Mr. Brower and Dr. Taylor truly believe they are voices in the
wilderness on behalf of Monarch doom and gloom.  I suspect that they will
nevertheless defend that position vehemently even if it is questioned by
sound scientific evidence to the contrary.

Monarch overwintering sites should be monitored based solely on density and
lack of frequency.  Information on large scale mortality due to weather is
important - but I fail to see it's significance relative to human impact.
One could argue that nothing should be done to prevent impact due to
"natural" causes.  Of course, the correlation that severe weather in Mexico
is somehow related to the Greenhouse Effect will likely be forthcoming...

Mark Walker


 
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