"Nick Maclaren" wrote in message
...

In article ,
"BAC" writes:
|
| LOL, very true - but given a nudge in the 'right' direction, perhaps,
by
| anthropogenic alterations to their environment, e.g. removal of large
| predators, planting of suitable fodder and shelter, reduction in
competition
| from domestic grazing stock, removal of deer fences, climate change
leading
| to less severe winter conditions, etc.

What we need is some more predators, large and medium sized,
in both rural and suburban areas. If they could be encouraged
to hunt trolls as well, that would be marvellous.



Trouble is, when predators are introduced in the hope they will deal with a
problem population, you're never certain what they'll actually choose to
eat.

Interestingly, the population of Roe Deer is said to have plummeted when it
lost Royal protection status back in the middle ages, from which I'd guess
it used to be effectively kept in check by hungry commoners. So I'd have to
add changes in dietary preferences (or a reduction in persecution, depending
on your POV)to my list of possible human contributory 'causes'.