>The paper of great relevance: > >Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalus): >Hope, and the Interfaces of Science, Conservation, and >Politics. Jerome A. Jackson. The Auk 123 (1): 1-15, >2006. > > >The issue: Quality of science. What is required to >demonstrate the scientific certainty of an >extraordinary bird sighting of international interest >and significance? > >The author: The acknowledged expert on this species. >Birds of North America species account author and >veteran ornithologist. > >The stakes: Public credibility of the scientific >process. The appropriate allocation and dispersion of >sorely needed conservation funds. > >The outcome: We will have to see, but it is >comforting and reassuring to see these questions and >constructive criticisms emerging after a period of >unabashed exhuberance that tended to silence the >doubting scientists. > >The hope: There is absolutely no doubt that every >bird lover and conservationist, including the author >of this paper (I am confident) hopes that the >ivory-billed woodpecker exists alive in nature and >that the existence can be adequately and appropriately >and conclusively confirmed. But let it be noted that >the author, the world authority on this species, >states his opinion that recent sightings in Arkansas >were of a pileated woodpecker, not an ivory-billed >woodpecker. > > > >submitted by Stan Moore San Geronimo, CA [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >__________________________________________________ >Do You Yahoo!? >Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around >http://mail.yahoo.com
