Species in the spotlight
So imagine that you have just landed in South Africa. Did you also remember to bring your safari hat and water?
We also got to see a very special, huge gray beast. There is no doubt that by its shape I am talking about a prehistoric time! We are also going to land in South Africa to see a black rhino. And we do it on top of the elephants! Great indeed!
So what’s so special about this four-thousand-plus-pound species? As you know they are herbivores, green stuff only, thanks for asking.
So one day I asked myself this question, “how could a beast like that be important?” We see them in the water a lot, and yes, they do get pretty dirty. So being patient, I found the answer. I too was like, “How about that, yeah wow! That’s another key animal!”
What is a keystone species? Why they get the job of being responsible for the survival of other species. This is the good thing about this animal! It eats things like bushes and roots. And when he takes a bite of something, he has 24 inches to do it. It’s a pretty natural road grader, don’t you think?
You see, if this species goes extinct, the grasses fill up with roots and brush. You got it, what these beasts eat. It keeps the pastures clean. And that is the precise value of this species. Once again, this is the tapestry of how animals work together.
Poaching is a problem due to the value of rhino horn. Personally, I also like to watch them run and do their thing. I’m sure you are too.
Their is a wonderful organization called Conservation International. The website is Conservation.org This group is solving problems for animals in many countries right now. And there preserving the rainforest one acre at a time.
For example, let’s say cheetahs are eating cattle in South Africa. So the farmers don’t want the cheetah for that. So they take out as many as possible. This group goes in and pays the farmers for the cattle they lose. The result? The cheetah becomes too lively! What a novel concept and brilliant solution.
I hope this has saved you some time to learn something new.
I’m Scott Bright.
