From Cheetahs to Japanese Beetles(ARA) - The cheetah is the fastest animal on earth and there may only be a few thousand left. Cheetahs that once roamed Asia, North America and Europe have become extinct. The remaining animals are found only in two small parts of Africa and the problem is these cheetahs are exactly alike. Similar to twins and clones, there is practically no gene diversity left among cheetahs. This causes inbred mating problems and pup death. Unless scientists can find a few cheetahs with unique genes to add to the gene pool through artificial insemination, all existing cheetahs may soon become extinct.
Japanese beetles have the opposite problem. This prolific insect reproduces 50-times its population each year the world over.
Not native to the United States, the Japanese beetle has spread its initial infestation at a port in New Jersey at the beginning of World War II to every State in the Union. The Eastern U.S. is especially inundated with this devastating insect which causes a billion dollars damage a year to roses, grapes, fruit trees, shrubs, grass and garden crops.
In the case of Japanese beetles however, U.S.D.A. scientists have developed a natural control called Milky Spore powder. One application of this material to lawns and gardens lasts ten to fifteen years before it has to be reapplied. Milky Spore attacks Japanese beetle larvae, or grubs, in the soil, kills them and mulitiplies the amount of initial spores by millions more. Safe for use, Milky Spore does not harm birds, bees, earthworms, people or pets. Milky Spore is approved for use on school playgrounds and parks. Entire residential areas have been treated with Milky Spore in efforts to control the Japanese beetle in so called Neighborhood Campaigns. A free brochure on Milky Spore and neighborhood beetle campaigns may be obtained by calling (800) 801-0061, or go to www.MilkySpore.com.
For information on efforts to save the cheetah, contact Rebecca McCloskey, Curator, Wildlife Safari, Winston, Ore., on the Web at www.wildlifesafari.org.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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