After harassing the Guy in charge of the exotic species ban for a while now, I think I'm getting somewhere. The first letter is his reply to a lengthy letter about the history, domestication etc (tnx to Pam G, Bob C, Troy, Holly H, Diane, Swamp and others). Steve had not budged from his posn. The second letter is after continual queries on his research verses mine (ours!). Although I still have a way to go, I believe he (they) may be coming around <cheesy grin>. Dear Paul If the document you mention as being passed on to you by a friend was sourced in Qld, it was written by me. It would have been taken from my 'Exotic Species database' as the original does make mention of an unconfirmed report of wild ferrets in Tasmania. I am impressed by your research on this matter and you have certainly spent a great deal of time researching this species and some of the theory associated with predicting biological invasions. However, the fact that we can argue on this issue does tend to reinforce what I have been saying... "if in doubt leave it out !" i.e. if a species' pest potential is subject to debate then the precautionary principle should prevail. Surely we have enough species of exotic feral animals in Queensland already without taking any more unnecessary risks ?? Who would pay for the control of wild ferrets if by some chance they did become naturalised ? I am sure the ferret fanciers/pet owners would suddenly go very quiet and government (i.e. the taxpayer) would be left to clean up the mess and spend millions on research and control. I acknowledge that the pest potential of ferrets is debateable but the majority of pest management researchers and policy makers agree that pest "prevention" is better than "cure" and the precautionary principle should prevail. Having said this, however, I will keep your well-researched comments on file so that we can refer to them should there ever be a review of the current status of ferrets in Qld. Steve. Dear Paul The keeping of exotic animals (including the controversial ones such as rabbits, ferrets and dingoes) will be reviewed as part of a planned review of the Qld Rural Lands Protection Act, to be undertaken over the next 12-24 months. I will be raising the issue of legalising the keeping of a limited number (perhaps 1 per family) of desexed ferrets, rabbits, dingoes as part of the review process. I cannot guarantee any changes but our Branch will give the matter appropriate consideration. If there are any changes, we will do our best to publicise them through the media. Regards. Steve Csurhes. [Posted in FML issue 2063]