This is what Dr. Barry Meyers-Rice had to say today in reply to my inquiry on this subject, which echos my own sentiments.
Hey William,
What I'm about to say can go on the record, no problem. You can post it if you want.
Regarding Allen Lowrie and field collecting in general.
This is not an area with black and white, I think. First off, let me reiterate that I am well known, and justifiably so, as a person who is something of an idealist regarding conservation issues. Anyone who has read my FAQ has seen my rants and tirades about the importance of high
conservation morals. That being said...
Field collection is not universally bad. There are many cases in which the reproductive production of seeds (for example) far outweighs the possible number of seedlings that can be supported at a site. For example, at a Darlingtonia study site of mine, each year the seed production is vast, however there is extremely little seedling activity---nearly all the
reproduction is due to vegetative propagation. (On the other hand, if a wildfire sweeps through, and opens up new habitat, reproduction via might become more dominant.) So whether or not you should feel righteous or condemnable when collecting seed depends upon the situation. And keep
the following corollary in your back pocket---if you are ever unsure, DON'T COLLECT!
Anyway, I certainly would agree that collecting Drosera tubers carries more impact than collecting seed. And I would imagine that for each tuber collected, a number are destroyed by the sharp edges of a trowel. However,
I have never visited Western Australia, and do not know what the population dynamics are like of the plants in this area. For example, are there many tubers produced each year by plants living in disturbance zones (such as along rivers) where a naturally high mortality of tubers is
expected anyway? In this case, field collection might be more easily justified. Is the population small and restricted, with little seed reproduction, and does digging in the soil disturb the cryptogamic crust and soil structure? Then I would certainly advise against field collection.
I simply have not visited the areas, have not botanized with Allen Lowrie, and don't know where the situation lies in the continuum between justifiable and unjustifiable field collection.
I have heard people say both good and bad things about Lowrie. But I've read both good and bad about myself, too! Lowrie is something of a character, and has rubbed some people the right way, some people the wrong way. (Again, the same can be said about myself.)
I will say this, however. Lowrie has done a lot for our understanding and appreciation of the carnivores of Australia. On balance, even if he were crossing the line re: field collection, he's a net asset to the flora of Australia.
If you're worried about this stuff with Lowrie, write him a letter, express your concerns, and mention the species you are interested in. Maybe he'll tell you information that can help you in your assessment on whether to order.
Later!
Barry
------------------------
Barry A. Rice, Ph.D.
Carnivorous Plant Newsletter
Conservation Coeditor
barry@carnivorousplants.org
http://www.carnivorousplants