Mouse Frustrates Endangered Species Policy

[jpak]

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/tech/2006/jan/25/012508407.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - An acrobatic mouse is threatening Bush administration efforts to give Western developers an upper hand over endangered species.

The Preble's meadow jumping mouse is in fact a distinct creature, according to a U.S. Geological Survey study presented Wednesday to senior Interior Department officials.

That finding contradicts research touted by Interior Secretary Gale Norton last February when she proposed removing the mouse from the government's endangered species list. Critics say it also undercuts the administration's claim that it uses the best science available in promoting fewer protections for imperiled wildlife.

The previous study, which was done by a biologist since hired by Norton's department, concluded there was no genetic difference between the Preble's meadow jumping mouse and the much more common Bear Lodge meadow jumping mouse.

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[blindpig]

1. Lumpers and Spiltters.

Systematics has long been subject to the ebb and flow of these two subspecies of biologists. New criteria are described, species are lumped or split, proponents of the old school counter attack, more new research...rinse and repeat. Such is the messy way science is done.(It also provides fertile ground for graduate projects!) That corpo-whore Norton should corrupt the scientific process to further the profits of her masters would be grounds for dismissal in an honest administration.

Current genetic studies seem to produce more splitting than lumping. The bu$histas are nothing if not consistent when it comes to science:Climate Change, missile defense, pollution standards, endangered species. Science doesn't matter.