Firstly, five “super-tusker” male elephants have recently been slaughtered for sport by the super rich in Tanazania under government licence. What is wrong with us as a species?
Less dramatically, I have just turned down an invitation to take part in a wildlife survey involving moth and mammal trapping. I do understand the need for moth-trapping for scientific/conservation reasons but it is definitely something in which I would not feel comfortable taking part. Most moths have short lives of just a few days or weeks. Trapping them overnight to be examined over breakfast does not feel right to me. It must be terrifying for them and I think this counting method should only be used as an absolute last resort. There must be other, kinder ways. For all those hours they cannot get on with their short lives – eating, mating, pollinating, being eaten by other wildlife and there must surely be some risk of damaging these delicate creatures? We do know what the problems are and we need information, but we already know the answers. What we need are governments willing to take an interest and actually do something.
The photo is of a scarlet tiger moth.
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