Subject: Re: Swallows and Mosquitoes
Date: Apr 13 17:05:17 1995
From: Judy Stone-Roth - stoneroj at ohsu.edu


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Appreciate the expressed concern about introduction of exotic species. The
principal is worthy of serious concern. But the strains of Gambusia the F & W
have used are hatchery-reared, and there's enough case history data to show
beyond any reasonable doubt that these are non-threatening species,
short-lived (normally you have to re-introduce the population every year), and
a prey specialist on insect larvae like mosquitoes. To eschew such a
biologically sound control possibility because of unwarranted extrapolation
from other bona fide horror stories (the Starling story is not a good
parallel), especially in favor of unnatural chemical biocides, may not be
prudent.

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Larry McCloskey

Dept of Biological Sciences

Walla Walla College, College Place, WA 99324

mcclla at wwc.edu

509-527-2481

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Larry,
Have seen data recently concerning use of Gambusia in S.F. Bay area. They
have been using this species for a few years. There has been a gradual
decline in native frogs in the same time frame I'll try to locate the source
of info. The local biologist felt tho. that it was somehow connected with the
Gambusia's introduction and not just the all over decline in amphibians
worldwide.