Current research: Other vertebrates

In addition to the birds, the vertebrates - the backboned animals - include fish, reptiles, amphibians and the mammals. This group contains both the largest and most spectacular members of the Animal Kingdom such as whales or elephants as well as many small and easily overlooked creatures, such as mice, bats and lizards. It also includes such popular animals such as pandas, monkeys, bears and dolphins as well as many of the least popular: snakes, crocodiles and sharks.

Why bother?

Whether they are popular or not, many vertebrates - especially the larger ones - are species that are threatened by human activities. Dolphins or dugongs, chimps or crocodiles, tigers or turtles: all face an uncertain future in the wild. Yet their conservation is a matter of importance; as mammals ourselves, we should find the threat to another mammal species something of concern. But the protection of these vertebrates poses challenges for conservation; in many cases they occupy territory that human beings want for themselves. Few nations can afford to set aside the space necessary for herds of buffalo, elephant, or even deer, to roam free.

A Rocha is increasingly involved in the study and conservation of a range of vertebrates. In Kenya, the preservation of the Arabuko-Sokoke forest involves tough choices about how human beings and elephants can coexist; in Lebanon's Aammiq wetlands the conservation of both snakes and Swamp Cats is an issue.

***

You make the springs pour water into ravines,
so streams gush down from the mountains.
They provide water for all the animals,
and the wild donkeys quench their thirst...
High in the mountains are pastures for the wild goats,
and the rocks form a refuge for rock badgers
You made the moon to mark the seasons
and the sun that knows when to set.
You send the darkness, and it becomes night,
when all the forest animals prowl about.
Then the young lions roar for their food,
but they are dependent on God.

Psalm 104:10-11, 18-21, NLT