[SoWestLep] Re: automobile traffic and leps!

[Patrick Foley]

James and others,

It is shocking, although not unexpected to see the death numbers due to vehicular lepslaughter. Before we congratulate
ourselves too much, we should keep in mind that this is mostly a density-independent form of mortality, or even density
dependent in a stabilizing way (Above carrying capacities, butterflies may travel more). Individual butterflies are at
risk equally whether their population sizes are high or low in an area.

Irresponsible collecting ( I did not say all collecting) is potentially very density-dependent in a destabilizing way.
It is exactly when the numbers are low that an individual is most prized and most sought after. I leave it to others to
debate whether overcollection is a rare or negligible cause of extinction.


Patrick Foley

"Dr. James Adams" wrote:

> Listers,
>
>          It is great to finally see some actual numbers data published for
> lep deaths due to automobile traffic, though I know other estimates have
> been made previously.  What this looks like to me is a wonderful
> opportunity for collectors to say "See?  Stop bashing the
> collectors!!"   Or at least "Stop driving your car!  ( and walking through
> habitat . . .)"
>
>          James
>
> James K. Adams
> Phone: (706)272-4427
> FAX:  (706)272-2235
> Visit the Georgia Lepidoptera Website:
>     www.daltonstate.edu/galeps/
>
> When the birds are few and far between-Look Down!, because there is a world of color you may have missed looking up.
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/


 
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