Dear HCN,
Tom
McNamee’s predator-prey article is one of the finest pieces
on the subject of predators and predator control I have ever read
(HCN, 3/31/03: Tinkering with nature).
Typically writers
who tackle this highly controversial issue are biased either for or
against predators. Such articles seldom shed light on the issue,
but do generate much heat. McNamee does a fine job of presenting
both sides of the problem. I was particularly impressed with his
elaboration of the complexity of the issue and of the role played
by habitat in the ups and downs of both predators and
prey.
As pleased as I was with the article, I find myself
compelled to call attention to one factor that did not receive the
attention it deserves — the role played by the livestock
industry. Ranchers were responsible for the elimination of wolves
and grizzlies and such prey species as prairie dogs and
black-footed ferrets from most of their historic habitat in the
Lower 48 states. Further, 150 years of abusive grazing adversely
impacted virtually all prey species and lowered the productivity of
all grazed rangelands. Ranchers today continue to be the chief
obstacle to restoring wolves to some of their historic range,
including suitable habitat here in Arizona. Surprisingly, McNamee
barely mentions the impact of grazing on wildlife
habitats.
Steve Gallizioli
Fountain Hills,
Arizona
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Ranchers are behind predator control.
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