In article , Franz Heymann notfranz.
writes


It would be unwise for a pragmatist like me to say yes or no to such a
possible false generalisation.
There are circumstances where I would be prepared to participate in
the eradication of some species in certain places for the sake of
humans, or domesticated animals, for example

Prickly pears for the sake of grazing field
The common cold virus
Malaria-carrying mosquitoes
Bracken in the Lake District
Hedgehogs in N Uist and Benbecula
Cats on Marion Island

Well, out of that lot, nos 1, 5 and 6 could be regarded as putting
things right after introduction of species to places where they don't
belong, and 5 and 6 are not primarily 'for the sake of humans or
domesticated animals' - indeed, it was the *introduction* of hedgehogs
that was 'for the sake of humans'.

And no 2 is an interesting one ... where do we draw the line .. how do
we regard viruses, compared with plants, animals, fungi, bacteria ...


--
Kay
"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river"