... Are Swifts and other Hirundines really native? And of course when will bee eaters become native? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-65910074
Anyway here's another story more local to me you might find interesting for Sunday morning.
https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/23588628.plans-advance-new-honey-bee-centre-north-dorset/
Interesting, Nick!!!
What makes a native species? Come to that, what constitutes a species? Speak to a professional taxonomist and they will probably say "What we taxonomists agree is a species - until we know more." 😁 Advances in the understanding of DNA has markedly improved on earlier ideas based on morphological comparisons, distribution and ability to interbreed to produce fertile offspring. An added source of confusion is the convention over naming species correctly [based on the original identification] and the horrible relentless drive to "improve" common names! Consequently every autumn I have the reeducate myself on current fungus nomenclature as all my books will be annoyingly full of obsolete synonyms! 😱
As far as Hirudines and Swifts are concerned an obvious question is:
Where is a migratory animal "native"? Where they breed? Or where they spend most of their time? Given that the environmental/ecological change produces changes in habitat, we can expect to see species' boundaries change. The tragic conflicts surrounding human migration and boundaries are a stark example of this biological process in action.
WRT Beekeeping "Centres" - I have a personal aversion to an overplayed centre-based interpretation of something that is best delivered in a practical way by a knowledgeable person. I know the zeitgeist is for real and virtual snappy interpretation, but as Robert Henlein's saying goes: "A university is a log with a student sitting at one end and the teacher at the other." Honey farms and centres are great - but only as the Icing on the Cake!
Edited by user
18 June 2023 15:47:34
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Reason: typo
RogerP
West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire
Everything taken together, here in Lincolnshire are more good things than man could have had the conscience to ask.
William Cobbett, in his Rural Rides - c.1830