Destruction Of Wildlife Research Articles

Examining Chinese Multinational Corporations as Agents of Development and/or Underdevelopment in South Africa

The investment of the Chinese government has been one of the biggest across the globe and Multinational Corporations (MNCs) have been at the center of this investment. Some scholars have referred to this as a Neo-colonial strategy by China on the African continent as most of these investments are only fostering their interests while degrading African states. In addition, these MNCs have acted as important agents in economic, social, and infrastructural development/ underdevelopment in the state. Thus, the paper sought to examine Chinese MNCs as agents of development and underdevelopment in South Africa. From this premise, the paper adopted a qualitative research method and case study approach of five MNCs from China operating in South Africa to critically examine their role as agents of development and underdevelopment in South Africa. The findings of the paper show succinctly that MNCs within the mining, technology, and industrial sectors of China have critically contributed to the development and underdevelopment of the country. Hence, it recommends that these companies must adopt strategies that contribute positively to the country’s long-term growth while minimizing negative impacts. They further need to implement and adhere to rigorous environmental standards to minimize their ecological footprint to ensure sustainable development in South Africa. The paper concluded by noting that there are challenges and opportunities created by MNCs which include job creation, contamination of water, destruction of wildlife, forceful displacement of settlements, and infrastructural development. Keywords: Chinese MNCs, Agents of Development and/or Underdevelopment, South Africa’s Development, and Chinese Investments.

Exploring the Effects of Deforestation on Communities Living Style: A Sociological Study in Indus Riverine Areas of Dera Ghazi Khan

Deforestation is the eradication of trees, clearing of plants, or burning of forests on a large scale to accomplish all the local, regional, and global needs of the expanding population. Climate change has severely influenced both the development of human lifestyles and existence, together with food scarcity, wildlife destruction, and risky meteorological conditions problems. A total sample sizes of 225 citizens were selected from District Dera Ghazi Khan. In the first stage, 3 Tehsils of District Dera Ghazi Khan e.g. (Dera Ghazi Khan, Kot Chutta, & Taunsa,) were selected. In the second stage, 3 riverside union councils were selected from each Tehsil through a convenient sampling technique. In the third stage, 25 citizens were selected from each union council. Data was collected through an interview schedule and examined by ‘The Statistical Package for Social Sciences’ (SPSS). Obtained results indicate that deforestation increases in the community (99.1%) and climate change also happens in the community (99.1%) deforestation is one of the major causes of climate change (99.6%) and climate change is due to deforestation (100%). It was concluded that negative impact of deforestation on the local ecosystem (95.6%); deforestation caused air and water pollution in the community (99.6%); deforestation increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters in the region (96%); deforestation changes in the landscape, such as soil erosion or changes in the flow of rivers (95.5%); the forests are mitigating in climate change and preserving biodiversity (96.4%). The bivariate analysis showed that more will be deforestation vs more will be climate change; more will be negative impact on the local eco-system. So, all the hypothesis results are accepted after the analysis of the data.

Genetic architecture of the toxicological response to eucalyptol and citronellal in Drosophila melanogaster

The excessive and indiscriminate use of synthetic insecticides has led to environmental pollution, wildlife destruction, and adverse effects on human health, while simultaneously giving rise to resistance in insect pest populations. This adaptive trait is expressed through various mechanisms, such as changes in the cuticle, heightened activities of detoxifying enzymes, and alterations in the sites of action that reduce their affinity for insecticides. In this context, we associate variation in toxicological response with genomic variation, to identify genetic polymorphisms underlying the different steps of the insect (genotype)-response (phenotype)-insecticide (environment) interaction. Under this framework, our objective was to investigate the genetic factors involved in the toxicological response of D. melanogaster lines when exposed to citronellal and eucalyptol vapors (monoterpenes of plant origin). We quantified KT50 in adult males, representing the time necessary for half of the exposed individuals to be turned upside down (unable to walk or fly). Since the genomes of all lines used are completely sequenced, we perform a Genome Wide Association Study to analyze the genetic underpinnings of the toxicological response. Our investigation enabled the identification of 656 genetic polymorphisms and 316 candidate genes responsible for the overall phenotypic variation. Among these, 162 candidate genes (77.1%) exhibited specificity to citronellal, 45 (21.4%) were specific to eucalyptol, and 3 candidate genes (1.5%) namely CG34345, robo2, and Ac13E, were implicated in the variation for both monoterpenes. These suggest a widespread adaptability in the response to insecticides, encompassing genes influenced by monoterpenes and those orchestrating resistance to the toxicity of these compounds.

MILITARY ECOCIDE IN UKRAINE AS A DESTRUCTIVE CONSEQUENCE OF THE USE OF RUSSIAN MISSILES AND PROJECTILES

Effectively, russia’s aggression against Ukraine can be considered the first case of intentional ecocide during wartime in this century. Through its actions, russia has caused massive destruction of the animal and plant world, pollution of the atmosphere, Ukrainian fertile lands, and water resources. According to calculations by the working group at the State Environmental Inspection, as of January 2023, the ecological damage to Ukraine during the 11 months of russian military aggression amounts to over 1 trillion 743 billion hryvnias, or over 47.6 billion dollars. This sum includes hundreds of thousands of square kilometers of ruined soil and devastated lands, forest fires, emissions of poisonous substances into the atmosphere, destruction of animals, alterations to the migratory paths of birds, and more. The top five regions most affected by ecocide in Ukraine are Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
 The study of war ecocide crimes allows to systematise them by the following features: air pollution, soil pollution, destruction of green spaces, destruction of wildlife, water pollution, unauthorized use of subsoil, and disruption of ecosystems Since the beginning of the full-scale armed aggression by russian occupation forces on objects within the 71 territory of Ukraine, almost 6,500 missile strikes and nearly 3,500 aerial strikes have been carried out, resulting in environmental damage.
 Missiles launched onto Ukrainian territory carry hundreds and thousands of kilograms of chemical substances. In case of complete combustion and dispersion of remnants into the surrounding environment, they pose significant pollution and are toxic to all living beings.
 The destruction of the upper fertile layer of soil, which has been forming over centuries, occurs as a result of missile explosions, artillery shells of various types, cluster bombs, drones, mines, and various types of multiple rocket launchers.
 A significant problem is the contamination of soil with chemical substances, leading to a reduction in fertility and causing harm to both humans and animals living in polluted areas. In substantial areas of Ukraine, there is considerable damage to the surface layer of the soil due to the burning of munitions. The detonation of missiles, artillery shells, cluster bombs results in the release of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen, as well as a large amount of toxic organic compounds, which then enter the soil.
 According to assessments from the Kyiv School of Economics and Zoï Environment Network, a total of 186,000 km2 of land, nearly 31% of Ukraine's territory, is at risk of damage and pollution. Among them, over 20,000 km2 are damaged by more than 75% In addition to missiles, the aggressor country employs projectiles of various calibers and cluster bombs, the detonation of which causes environmental destruction, including damage to buildings, structures, industrial facilities, soil, wildlife, and ecosystems. Ukrainian land has transformed into a horrifying testing ground for various types of weaponry, including long-range artillery, salvo fire systems, phosphorus bombs, and guided missiles.
 A threatening issue is the replacement of territories, particularly agricultural lands. A mined area loses its intended purpose and cannot be utilized for a long period. Additionally, the demining of such territory requires substantial expenses.
 Therefore, russian missiles and projectiles pose a deadly threat to humans, animals, plants, harm the environment, devastate soil, water bodies, forests, destroy infrastructure, alter landscapes, and dismantle ecosystems.
 Thus, the investigation of war ecocide crimes involving russian missiles and projectiles allows the conclusion that these are extremely harmful actions resulting from military aggression. Those who perpetrate them are well aware of the serious and irreversible long-term damage inflicted on the environment.

Africa’s Contribution to the Discourse on Environment, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development

Renewable energy and sustainability are vital for the development of Africa. Social welfare and economic growth are contingent on meeting the consumption needs and production targets using modern, sustainable energy sources. This is particularly crucial to Africans, given that the continent is home to the least developed countries globally, and the population with access to electricity is less than half. Colonialism has undoubtedly impacted and shaped our energy and, consequently, environmental transitions by allowing the traumatic exploitation of natural habitats and plundering of minerals, all at the service of the formation of their early modern states and the growth of capitalism. This status has been greased and maintained using neo-colonial and imperial tools such as the illusion of ‘free trade’, structural adjustment programs and crippling debt. All these are aimed at staging a stagnation of economic development that translates to underdeveloped industries and inefficient energy production levels. The domino effect of this is also seen in the current environmental crisis, which is essentially the biological destruction of wildlife and marine life while posing grave dangers to the continuation of African civilisation. This article explores the impact of imperialism and traces of neo-colonialism on the energy sector in Africa and how Africa can push for renewable energy by building its own industries and utilising abundant resources to chart a path towards sustainability. It dives into the depths of already established renewable energy programs that the states ought to accelerate to enable them to reach wider populations, as well as the mutually beneficial relationship we have between renewable energy and the environment.

Landscape changes and livelihood outcomes in rural tea farming communities: A case study in Fuding City, Fujian Province, Southeast China

Landscape changes driven by cash crop plantations have been prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide in recent decades. Investigating the landscape changes and concluding livelihood outcomes are fundamental to figure out the solutions for rural sustainability. This paper examined the landscape changes which was caused by land use changes in tea plantations as well as investigated the resultant livelihood impacts, based on a case study in Fuding City, Southeast China. A questionnaire survey of 114 rural households in four sampled villages was conducted. Results demonstrated that expansion and intensification of tea plantations were two major proximate causes of landscape changes in recent decade. Our survey indicated that some existing intensively-managed tea plantations had derived from intensification and expansion of tea plantations, respectively. We identified four underlying driving forces of landscape changes, including economic benefit, governmental policies, wildlife destruction on grain crops, and rural return migration. Our study confirmed that landscape changes have significant positive effects on farmers’ livelihoods, including increasing employment and incomes, raising living standards, enhancing livelihood assets and livelihood sustainability. Especially, the aged rural populations could have a relatively decent living standard. Meanwhile, the excessive expansion of tea plantations may impair livelihood resilience. Lastly, three policy suggestions based on different time scales have been put forward to promote rural households’ livelihood sustainability and resilience.

Highways the Death Door of Wild Life: A Comprehensive Study in Indian Thar Desert

Highways play a crucial role in economic development of any country. Besides this, highways are also one of the causal agents of wild life destruction. The present investigation was based on the study of mortality rate in some selected wild animal groups in road accidents viz., Mammals, Birds and Reptiles on the national and state highways passing through the Indian Thar Desert, and the survey of biodiversity of roadside fauna and flora. The survey was also focused on the effects of highways on the population density and biodiversity of the area. Among the selected animal groups Mongoose, Squirrel, Wild Boar, Hedgehog, Chinkara, Desert fox, Nilgai, Greater Coucal (Crow Pheasant), Sparrow, Partridge, Babbler, White eared and Red Vented Bulbul, Peacock, Desert Monitor, Garden Lizzard, Skinks, Cobra, Vipers etc. were found killed in the road accidents. Maximum mortality rate in the road accidents during the survey was observed in Mongoose, Greater Coucal and Desert monitor (Varanus) throughout the study period. It was experienced that unavailability of safe passes across the highways, negligence driving and over speed of the vehicles were the major causes of wild life destruction on the highways. Maximum mortality rate of wild animals was found in July to November in each calendar year and minimum was during the month December to February. By the present investigation it was suggested that making transverse tunnels across the highways at regular interval, warning signboards about the wild life abundance regions, awareness among the drivers for wildlife protection and covering the road sides with net fencing in wild life abundant areas may reduce some degree of wildlife destruction in road accidents.

The dark side of nature conventions: A call to end anthropogenic wildlife destruction

The world is experiencing an anthropogenic nature crisis, with global warming and catastrophes, for example, wildfires and flooding, causing destruction of living conditions and habitat both for human and nonhuman species. According to WWF’s last living planet index, one million species are risking extinction, leading to a need for a criminology that addresses the multifarious reasons for this situation, which to large degree is lacking. In this article, I apply perspectives from Green Criminology, Environmental Restorative Justice and Species Restorative Justice to argue for the necessity of these to address species loss and animal abuse caused by wildlife trade and hunting. The implementation of two prominent nature conservation conventions, CITES and the Bern convention, are central in the discussion, with Norway as the case, through which it is shown that these fail to provide endangered wildlife with protection.

"Superwarfarins and Mass Destruction of Wildlife. Review"

"Superwarfarins and Mass Destruction of Wildlife. Review"

Alpine Grassland Degradation and Its Restoration in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

The alpine grasslands of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau are one of the most famous grazing ecosystems in the world, providing a variety of ecosystem functions and services. The rate of grassland degradation has been slowed by the implementation of national grassland restoration projects, but the degradation of grasslands on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau has not yet been fundamentally reversed, and some grasslands are still degraded to varying degrees. The main causes of grassland degradation on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau are both human and natural factors. Human factors include overgrazing, over-cultivation, indiscriminate digging and mining, mineral resource development, infrastructure construction and use, and tourism development. Natural factors include climate change, wildlife destruction, pests, etc. Based on the principles of restoration ecology, a number of effective practices and integrated management responses for restoring degraded grasslands have been developed on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The degraded grassland restoration practices include fencing, fertilization, sown grassland establishment, rodent control, and grazing management. Based on these practices, the comprehensive restoration of degraded grasslands and the establishment and sustainable management of sown grasslands in the alpine grasslands of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau should be further strengthened, and research on the mechanisms of grassland degradation and restoration should be further developed.

Проблема гибели птиц на ЛЭП и прогресс её решения в бассейне Средней Волги

Проблема гибели птиц на ЛЭП и прогресс её решения в бассейне Средней Волги

British Planters and the Origins of Wildlife Conservation in Colonial Sri Lanka

AbstractThis article argues that the interests of coffee and tea planters in colonial Sri Lanka shaped the foundations of wildlife conservation policies, in which the state only played a secondary role. By destroying the forests of the highlands, they were the principal architects of ecological change on the island in the nineteenth century. Their principal mode of recreation, hunting, also shaped their engagement with natural history. Some were naturalists in their own right; others funneled specimens and observational data to other students of natural history. They lobbied for the first game laws, not through remorse for their own role in the destruction of wildlife (the “penitent butchers” thesis) but to keep the peasantry from competing for the species that they sought, which had been decimated by the actions of both groups. The way planters engaged with nature, through hunting and the pursuit of natural history, motivated them to preserve what was left of the island's wild fauna.

Agroforestry and Household Food Security Status among Small-Scale Farmers in Kubo South and Samburu Wards of Kwale County, Kenya

This study investigated the contributions of agroforestry to household food security in Kwale County. The study objectives were to determine the status of agroforestry, the status of household food security, and the relationship between agroforestry and household food security. Descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was applied, with multistage sampling procedure, which comprised of purposive and random sampling for selection of the study sites and respondents from different villages in Kubo south and Samburu wards, Kwale County. The sample size for the study comprised of 270 smallholders and 10 key informants. The study used a combination of instruments, namely, structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, observation, and interview schedules. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to test relationship between agroforestry and household food security. The study found that 14.1 % were food secure, 2.96 % households mildly food insecure, 54.81 % were moderately food insecure and 27.41 % were severely food insecure. Majority of farmers practice agrosilvopastoral system of agroforestry due to the multiplicity of social, economic, and environmental benefits they derive from it. The results further indicated that challenges facing agroforestry farmers include poor access to credit, inadequate extension services, wildlife destruction, pests and diseases, and inadequate markets for agroforestry products. The study concludes that there is high level of food insecurity among smallholder farmers and recommends concerted efforts by county and national governments to intensify the practice of agroforestry, improvement of access to inputs for agroforestry, allocate more land for agroforestry practice, proper tree species selection, adoption of best agroforestry practices based on research, and suitable tree planting arrangements for improved household food security.

ENHANCING BOTH COMPANIES AND CONSUMERS’ INTENTION TO BOTH PRODUCE AND CONSUME GREEN PRODUCT

<p><em>Green business, green marketing or sustainable business activities had emerged as some of the most discussed and most popular concept within the realm of business, in which, due to the continuous destruction of wildlife and environment all around the world, many people, non-governmental organizations, entrepreneurs, companies and government had constantly pushed and urged many businesses to do or conduct their business activities in a proper and sustainable way which won’t have any damaging or negative impact toward the surrounding environment. Meanwhile, at the same time, consumers were also constantly being “pushed” by these same parties to play a more active role in ensuring that the negative impact of these business activities toward the environment won’t escalate by stop consuming, buying or using non-green product which is not sustainable and could bring a dire impact toward the nature and the surrounding environment in the future. Therefore, this community services activities were designed or conducted in order to give some information, suggestions, or understanding to both businesses and consumers, not only in order to ensure that both of these parties will fully understand the main concept of green business, but also in order to ensure that both parties will eventually and actually conduct both of their businesses and consumption activities in a more sustainable way</em></p>

European Green deal and Climate Pact: A roadmap for digital public health

The Covid-19 pandemic crisis caused a serious ‘tectonic' disturbance in all sectors, especially pointed out weaknesses of the healthcare systems. The recently adopted European Green Deal (EGD). It should take into account the Covid-19 pandemic challenge and maintain its primary objectives. The pandemic crisis has shown not only individual health risks, but also global health threats (direct and indirect). The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes an insufficiently known infectious disease. The subsidiary health effects are still countless: mental health, health-economic costs, deadlock in the other diseases treatment, etc. One of the main messages regarding environment, is that society should find new economic models less damaging to the environment and to biodiversity, implying circular economy, a less consumerist and active society: e.g. a 4 days-working week. Covid-19 took us to the extreme of being confined at home, either working or taking care of our families. However, the Covid-19 global quarantine and confinement (and huge reduction of travelling, mainly flights) had a great impact on decrease of CO2 levels, on the quality of air and on biodiversity. Vulnerability and lack of efficient action in many countries, is a strong warning for Europe (and globally) to insist in strengthening public health and convert lessons learned into action. The Coronavirus, originating from destruction of wildlife and intensive animal farming, will bring more pandemics in the future. We need more public health consideration towards effects of climate change on public health. It is possible to keep economy functioning by promoting remote work supported by digital platforms and innovation for international networks. Strategically, the European recovery plan should be aligned with the EGD.These challenges open the way to digital health, and as such, can be defined a roadmap to tackle climate change.

Impacts of Anthropogenic Disturbance on Vegetation Dynamics: A Case Study of Wadi Hagul, Eastern Desert, Egypt.

Irresponsible human interventions, encroachment of natural habitats, and climate change negatively affect wildlife. In this study, the effects of human influence on Wadi Hagul, an unprotected area in the north of the Egyptian Eastern Desert that has recently been subjected to blatant encroachments of vegetation, were studied. The most important of these threats is the construction of the new road Al-Galala–Wadi Hagul–Zafarana. In Wadi Hagul, 80 species are reported in this study; the most represented plant families are Asteraceae (15 species) and Brassicaceae (6 species). Perennial, chamaephyte and Saharo-Arabian species were recorded in the highest percentage. Detrended canonical correspondence analysis showed that latitude, longitude, altitude, silt, sand contents, pH, and CO32− content are the factors that have the highest effect on vegetation distribution in the studied stands. Several invasive and alien species such as Euphorbia prostrata have been listed; these species typically have a negative effect on native species. The Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) indicated a decrease in plant cover during the study period, as compared to previous years. In 2013 and 2020, SAVI ranged from −0.02 to 0.42 and from −0.18 to 0.28, respectively. Recently, the violation and destruction of wildlife have increased, therefore, preserving it along with general biodiversity has become an urgent necessity.

Conservation and the Commodification of Wildlife in the Anthropocene: A Southern African History

ABSTRACT The fossil-fuelled Anthropocene, with its attendant destruction of wildlife, originated with global capitalism. Early ‘fortress’ conservation efforts focussed on delineating protected areas, but in the latter part of the twentieth century, wildlife expanded on private and communal lands in Southern Africa through schemes allowing people to benefit directly from wildlife. Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) provided people with economic incentives to coexist with wildlife, showing that in the capitalist Anthropocene, the commodification of wildlife could be a tool for its conservation. This paper reviews the history of CBNRM in Southern Africa, paying particular attention to Namibia where hunting is an important source of revenue. It concludes with a discussion of international efforts to decommodify wildlife through limiting trade and restricting trophy hunting. The shooting of ‘Cecil the Lion’ in Zimbabwe by an American trophy hunter boosted these efforts – but in the process threatened to undermine commodified forms of wildlife conservation, including CBNRM, across Southern Africa. It is an irony of history that capitalist commodification created the environmental crisis yet strategies of decommodification could prompt land-use changes which, in the absence of substantial new support to promote coexistence with wildlife, reduce rather than support wildlife and biodiversity.

Consequences of Urbanization on Wildlife Survival in India and USA – Relevance of Adoption of Legislations

Urbanization has always been a sign of growth, but it has created its own set of issues, concerns and challenges to tackle. One such issue is the destruction of wildlife's natural habitat in the form of deforestation which contributes to killing and chocking of wildlife. The quest for urbanization gradually becomes an individual preference in which people yearn for more luxury, be it in the form of automated gadgets, luxury cars or posh farmhouses- all leading to pollution and wildlife survival disturbance. For India and the United States of America being no exception, this trend is global. India is the world’s second most populous nation and one of the largest developing economies for rising urban development rates. The United States of America on the other hand, falls within the context of a developed nation. At this juncture, urbanization and natural life are among the most controversial issues that require legal intervention to protect and preserve biodiversity. On a cynical note, both the countries are welfare nations, but is this welfare extended to the wildlife too? India has achieved an unprecedent level of urbanization, and the United States is already an urban society, yet a dunking rate of events in untamed wildlife is a serious legal problem for both the nations. India has adopted various legislation such as The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Endangered Species Act of USA and these legislations had been formulated in the nation-state with regards to urbanization and ecological law while both the nations are parties to the UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The goal was to economically develop the country, stimulate urbanization, and sub-mix the untamed wildlife regime. By comparing both the countries, the paper will jointly present a reformation that needs to be considered under one legislation by bridging the gap between the developing nations and developed nations. The empirical method of research will be adopted to compare both the legislations. In light of the aforementioned scenario, this paper by way of a doctrinal search attempts to endeavor into the following: 1. Relationships between the growing population, the ecology principle, change towards urbanization and the establishment of wildlife laws in India and the United States. 2. Urbanization analysis and wildlife law requirements on a global aspect. 3. Recommend sustainable urbanization improvement along with biodiversity and natural life insurance solutions.

Oil exploitation and its socioeconomic effects on the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

The oil exploration and exploitation industry which is majorly centred in the Niger Delta region is without doubt currently the most important earner of foreign exchange to the Nigerian economy. The Niger Delta is home to an extraordinary variety of people; mostly fishers and farmers with a history of rich cultural heritage. However, the region is suffering from devastating oil pollution. Although the effects of oil spill depend on factors such as size or area of spill and geographical location, the socioeconomic and environmental costs of oil production can be extensive; these range from destruction of wildlife, biodiversity loss, air and water pollution, degradation of farmland and damage to aquatic ecosystems. The paper reviews the adverse effects of oil exploitation on the Niger Delta region. It researches the common belief that government and oil multinationals are negatively disposed to the socioeconomic and environmental wellbeing of host communities especially in events of oil spillage. The paper reveals that oil exploitation has increased the rate of environmental degradation and has perpetuated food insecurity as a result of death of fish and crops as well as loss of farm lands and viable rivers for fishing activities leading to loss of livelihood. The paper supports the call for multinationals operating in the region to modernise operating infrastructure and equipment in order to prevent avoidable oil spillages that often lead to community restiveness, and more so, intensification of joint efforts between oil multinationals and government in the capital development of the region is very important.

Wildfire and Fire-Adapted Ecology: How People Created the Current Fire Disasters

Increasing numbers of wild fires have been noted in the past decades as well as increasing intensity and acreage burned. The invasion of wild lands and rural areas by new housing, the recreational industry, hikers, bikers and the destruction of wild life by increased hunting, thinning to reduce competition with commercial agriculture and effects of logging and new logging techniques have driven this increase. The last 400 years of exploitation of the land has created a fire-adapted ecology. Suggestions for reducing the dangerous and expensive consequences are given.