https://youtu.be/pFD7IgW8PpE
Steve and gang have been amused by this video*. I haven’t looked at it but, sadly, I can relate. Thirty years ago, I had a phase where I was hopeful for its existence. Something to be excited over in a world where the biosphere is shrinking in a mass extinction. Like the British, with their big cat fantasies on the moors, it was a longing for a lost world where mysteries were still possible. Now with billions added to the population in my lifetime and trail cameras everywhere l am resigned to smaller and smaller details from the labs of science as compensation.
On the upside, the chances for real megafauna can improve in some cases. This report that wild tigers and leopards have been increased in China is heartening. It took the hammer hand of the authoritarian state to crush the desires of the local populace but it did protect 5600 square miles. That is an impressive chunk of ground, especially for China. It is equal to Connecticut, almost as big as Israel, and a near third of the province here. Yellowstone is only 3000 square miles. I suppose China was forced into it being that the tiger is their ancient symbol and they needed it for political purposes as much as anything else. They sure haven’t had much concern for nature otherwise.
While thinking about this, I went back and read Steve’s reviews of the tiger books in his Sportsman’s Library.** Corbett came to mind as it was just 100 years ago that the events in his books were current. So much has changed in the wild since then. Corbett’s world is gone and the rest shrinks. My life has spanned the time where Corbett’s world was a fresh memory to a future where the wild will soon be only visited digitally.
Ivory-billed-woodpecker-species-extinct
On that sour note, it was announced this week that ivory billed woodpeckers are declared extinct now. I follow a group that searches for them. Their enthusiasm suggests they are getting data but maybe it is a delusion that will slide to the joke level of squatch hunting. Perhaps Tim Gallagher can comment on it here?
*speaking of amusing videos this about sums up the state of squatch hunting for me now. Just a late night joke. I, also, like how it crosses over into my big pecker reference. LOL
You have to admire the blind faith.
**an outstanding book on sporting books invaluable in its reach and vision of a subculture that remains a powerful influence to millions. It helps ground us to a world still more real than a Gamer hunter. The woods and fields still inspire. It is a superb guide to the emotional history of our outdoor lives.
Gallagher responds to Woodpecker Status
China Parks