REPORT / INTERNATIONAL NEWS

A recent study shows that golf courses can play an important role for conservation in cities and other impacted areas, but that doesn't mean courses harbor as much wildlife as natural settings.

Notwithstanding a high volume of pesticide and fertilizer that are used to maintain the golf courses, a new study suggests that golf course ponds can sustain wildlife just as well as nature reserves better.he research examined golf course ponds in Stockholm, Sweden, comparing the species living there with those in ponds in nearby nature reserves and parks.Some species were more prevalent in golf course ponds than elsewhere.For example, the great crested newt.

Golf course ponds may be good places for newts because the ponds often lack fish and are kept clear of water-clogging plants -- ideal conditions for these creatures.

But golf courses also are more "natural" than many people give them credit for, according to Ray Semlitsch of the University of Missouri. Semlitsch has done related studies of U.S. golf courses.About 70 percent is non-play habitat ideal for urban settings where not much of habitats are left.