|
Sustainable
eNews |
August 2002 |
|
|
IWMC
World Conservation Trust |
|
Science War"
Chapter 4
Captive or Wild Lynx...
|
|
|
| Under this title, IWMC is presenting a case
of the abuse and misuse of science by activists, to illustrate that their
goals and strategies are neither in the public interest, nor in concurrence
with scientific principles relevant to human health and well being. We are
not alone in this, as the American Medical Association, the National
Academy of Sciences, the US Forest Service, and the Scientific Committee of
the International Whaling Commission, have repeatedly contradicted the
pseudoscientific claims of animal rights and eco-activists. |
In a previously disclosed case in nearby Washington
State, we are reminded that a seemingly deliberate abuse of science was
nearly perpetrated by both state and federal biologists. Seven people are
implicated in a conspiracy that  involved planted hair from captive lynx in
a portion of forest that was being tested for the presence of those
animals. Wild lynx were not found, and DNA analysis of the planted hair
proved that it had come from two captive animals. State and federal
biologists are thought to have purposely attempted to have wilderness areas
closed off for human recreational use, through this device. Again, Interior
Secretary Gale Norton was made aware of this situation, and called for an
investigation. We are pleased that the Secretary is now aware of the
possibilities of this kind of deliberate fakery, and that she is taking
steps to correct such actions.
No one wishes to see endangered species further depleted, and we hope,
no persons in positions of responsibility shall be able to prevent citizen
access to the land, to water resources, and to grazing and timber rights,
through false pretenses and dishonest claims. 
|
