General News
31 August, 2024
Barry's Corner
This column always looks out for pests, whether they are plants, animals or birds, and if they are introduced from somewhere else or had an origin in the local district.
Lots of problems have been imposed on us by our ancestors trying to brighten up house gardens.
Some, like rabbits, foxes and many cats, were brought out by British colonists. These people are all our ancestors and they did not realise many aspects of the new country (to them) and how to treat it. Nor did they bother to ask.
Only late in the piece did scientists, observers and researchers point out the folly of our ways.
Within a few years of landing the country was out of control with plagues of rabbits. Foxes and cats could be found anywhere and weeds were growing and spreading with alarming haste.
It takes a lot of effort and fortune to try and control many of these pests.
Not many people deliberately came ashore with a bag of weed seeds, and they were innocent in trying to scratch a living from a new land which was found to have many different aspects than their European lands.
Gorse and boxthorn used as fences now cause grief to farmers and shires alike.
There were groups of risky characters who thought the land was too bland and needed lightening, but these plants have now have turned rogue, even though we still get swayed by pretty flowers and grasses readily available from nurseries.
Calling themselves acclimatisation groups, they imported sparrows, starlings and lots of species like deer. Even sheep, cattle and livestock caused a lot of problems, but they are not considered feral when they are used for farms.
Next week these themes will be discussed at the annual Biodiversity Seminar. This is the 27th biodiversity conference in the region and organisers have some real runs on the board in explaining interesting topics.
This year we are heading to Goroke public hall next Thursday. The line-up of speakers and a short tour follows the tradition of moving around the region. It should be a good day out.