Betr: Re: Arisaema hybrids

[Wilbert Hetterscheid (prive)]

Folks,

Just two comments on Tony's last contribution to the hybridisation debate.
Tony writes:


>         I greatly value the work of taxonomists, but if they
> are concerned about
> having a difficult job, they should look in the mirror.  Is
> it more logical
> for humans to continue natures work creating hybrids and
> eventually new
> species or to attempt to classify and categorize nature in
> human terms such
> as species?

A bit off-topic but it is not universally accepted that individuels of the
species Homo sapiens actually create new species by intentional
hybridisation activities in the human social context (society). Intentional
hybridisation is not the same thing as the complex of natural processes that
fuel the motor of evolution and hence species-formation.

Tony also writes:

I
> am not convinced that CITIES designations is the answer since that
> interferes with legitimate commerce and does not address the
> causes for
> habitat loss.  Most of us cannot control habitat destruction in other
> countries, but we can continue to propagate and distribute
> species while
> working where possible to conserve habitats.  We must also
> work with other
> countries which are embracing capitalism to teach them the benefits to
> propagation as opposed to wild collection.

Does this mean, Tony, that you are happier with the consequences of the
Convention on Biological Diversity? The CBD addresses habitat conservation
as well and asks you, Tony (as a commercial enterprise), to share the
benefits of your commercial work with the countries of origin of the plant
material you use. That benefit sharing principle should help that country in
sustaining its habitats........

Cheerio,
Wilbert