How can network theory help us understand the impacts of the cane-toad on the Australian eco-system? Or the impacts of extinction/invasive species in general?
What narratives of place and identity do you see at play in the film?
What power relations can you see between different actors in this case study?
What do you think of the analogy Buchanan (2002) draws between social and ecological networks?
Also, I know a lot of people are doing various ecological networks (or people/stuff/food networks with ecological impacts) so feel free to share interesting info, links, or case study related questions in the comments.
- Rhian
References
Buchanan, M. (2002). Nexus: Small worlds and the ground breaking science of networks. New York: W. W. Norton & Company
Network theory allows you to see the disturbances that are occuring in the network and the uncontrollable flucations in the number of certain species. With the cane toads invasive introduction, it is destroying Australias ecosystem in numbers and weak links with the ability to eat almost anything its size and survive in Australias climate. Network theory can help distinguish the species connections to food and hopefully learn more about the cane toad in order to eradicate the spread and species itself.
ReplyDeleteThe film was interesting providing narratives of those most affected by the cane toad and the history behind the Australian cane toad. The place mostly affiliated with the cane toad was north Queensland and the sugar plantations. It protrayed some peculiar characters who both saw the toad as a pest and also a harmless pet.
The invasion of the Cane Toad is eliminating networks that we see in Network Theory, as well as creating them. A Cane Toad can be linked to several other species (therefore creating a linked network); however it is destroying currently established networks of species by eating a large proportion of them all!
ReplyDeleteAs a resident of Far North Queensland i have had the pleasure of visiting the cane toad information block placed at Gordanvalle park. Here I gained knowledge about the networks of the cane toad and how humans introduced the species to try to impact nature networks. However, as most things do, it backfired and we now live with the disgusting creatures every day. It should be noted though, that other species have evolved around these animals in order to secure their own safety and provides a perfect example of how we can remain sustainable in our own way, despite the poison that influences our lives.
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