Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!samsung!munnari.oz.au!metro!grivel!gara!rjacobs
From: rjacobs@gara.une.oz.au ( ABRI)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: falconry
Message-ID: <4051@gara.une.oz.au>
Date: 1 Oct 90 22:35:16 GMT
Organization: University of New England, Armidale, Australia
Lines: 23

David Mark is correct that my term "quality of life" is not a measurable
factor in the life of a raptor (or any bird). In fact, it is tainted with the
humanization of animals - which is something I hate. However, in my use
of the term I refer mainly to the fact that captive raptors are freed
from some of the stresses of life that are factors in the shortening of
life in wild raptors. They do not have to go without quality food. They are
fed whether or not they have hunted successfully. A good falconer will 
be aware of the early symptoms of disease and treat their bird accordingly.
A good falconer will ensure their bird is regularly exercised and therefore
remains fit. In the wild, raptors are often killed by larger birds, this
does not usually occur to captive birds. Overall, a captive falcon does not
have to compete to the same extent as a wild bird in order to survive. Some
people believe that it is cruel to keep birds of prey on perches for most
of their day. However, birds of prey are very lazy animals and normally only
fly in order to hunt or migrate. In the wild, most of their day is spent
perched.

So these factors are what I meant to say in the use of my term
"quality of life". A apologize for the misuse of the term and for any
confusion.

Ross Jacobs
rjacobs@gara.une.oz.au