1. A group of ecologists and biologists at your uni- versity and other schools have come up with a
unique idea. They want to transplant African
wildlife to the Great Plains of North America.
Julie Allen, 1504 Lincoln Drive, is an associate
professor of biology at your university. She had
this to say about the idea, "I think it would be
wonderful to drive across the Great Plains and
see lions and elephants and giraffes roaming the
prairie." The idea was developed by more than 30
scientists as a way to perpetuate species that are
slowly facing extinction because of declining hab-
itat in Africa. The scientists say there is plenty of
room left in the American West for these types of
animals. Relocating the animals could help them
increase their numbers. The plan is being criti-
cized by ranchers, developers and other scientists,
who say that it would be difficult to introduce
animals to a place they had never lived. Ranchers,
such as Jim Smithson, who lives in North Dakota
and is vice president of the Western Stockman's
Association, claims such a move would devastate
the regions cattle industry. "How many steers o
dairy cows can a pride of lions eat in a week?"
Smithson said. Supporters of the idea say the
mals they want to relocate would be held in
game parks or private reserves. They would
allowed to roam free. Other critics say the
planting of alien creatures could have dev
effects on native creatures. The animals