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- Only two mammals were native to
Hawaii, the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinerus hawaiiensis) and
the monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). The Polynesians,
and later Westerners, introduced a variety of animals,
including the cow, goat, pig, rat, cat, and mongoose. All
of these in a feral, or wild, state cause considerable
destruction and along with man, are responsible for the
extinction of many species in the plant and animal
community.
- The nene, which somewhat resembles
the Canada goose, was once nearly extinct due to hunters
and feral predators. Protection and propagation programs
have increased its numbers, but it is still considered
endangered.
The animal causing the most
damage
to the islands is man.
Because of over development, intrusion, hunting, poor
choices in development, pollution, etc... humans are
responsible for the destruction of almost all plants and
animals on the planet. For us to put blame on the wild
boar or feral cat is truly biased and only a scapegoat to
try and shift responsibility elsewhere. Yes they do
damage but we are the ones who put them here and
shouldn't torture them because of it. We have done more
damage then any living thing and continue to do damage.
We need to stop and think about what our actions are
doing, every day and make choices that are truly best for
all.
What can you do? Support programs that help reduce
populations of feral animals in non cruel ways. Make sure
your pets are spayed or nuetered. Where does that fish
come from that you are eating? Is it endangered? Were
gill nets used that hurt or kill dolphins during the
fishing? How about coral? Do you even know where it came
from??? Do you have local organic choices? Do you care?
Don't be one who just shifts the blame to something
else
Live like it matters..... It does!
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MAUI
