A zoological revolution: utilising wildlife to conserve wildlife and landscapes
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Published:2002
Daniel Lunney, Chris Dickman, 2002. "A zoological revolution: utilising wildlife to conserve wildlife and landscapes", A Zoological Revolution: Using native fauna to assist in its own survival, Daniel Lunney, Chris Dickman
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The revolution advocated in this forum is that Australia move away from its European farming practices, as suggested by Australian Museum Director Michael Archer and others, and utilise native plants and animals on an ecologically sustainable basis. For example, developing a consumer market for wild-shot kangaroos as an alternative to conventional sheep grazing has much to offer the conservation of rangelands, but there are some who strongly oppose any commercial use of Australia's wildlife. Philosopher and animal rights activist Peter Singer asks us to “consider whether it is ethically justifiable to kill wild animals, not for survival, but in order to profit from their meat and skins”. Supporters of kangaroo harvesting must engage with this argument if there is to be any meeting point for debate with Singer and the animal liberation cause. The central proposition put by Archer, Grigg and all who advocate kangaroo harvesting in the sheep rangelands is that the land itself is so degraded that it is unethical to allow this situation to continue or worsen. The ethical case is therefore broader than the simple question of the commercial culling of kangaroos. The land itself must be taken into consideration when the real issue is the long-term future of the country itself.