I Want To See Those Rabbits

I wouldn’t call myself a tree hugger, even though I will admit I am fond of trees. I seldom cut one down unless I have to. I transplant a significant number – putting them where they need to be instead of where they are, at least in my opinion.

I was surprised, however, when I read the latest news on deforestation that is taking place in Africa. I thought we were pretty sure the elephants were the problem. Evidently I was wrong. There’s a study that says the “guys” are just now realizing it is the elephants.

Discover News reports that humans have “essentially engineered” the situation by relocating elephant populations. The results, published in the journal Ecology Letters, found that elephants topple up to 20 percent of trees in their habitats, preferring to go after ones in the 16- to 30-foot range. The study results, which were gathered in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, have created a dilemma for conservationists who must balance the need to preserve elephant populations with the importance of maintaining a healthy tree population for other creatures in the ecosystem. Previously, park officials believed the deforestation was originating from creatures, such as rabbits. (Yahoo News)

Now I know the Bible tells us that God made all the creatures, and there was and is a wide variety. But I gotta’ tell you,  I am really anxious to see those rabbits that were pushing over the trees in the “16-30 foot range.”

I hope they don’t show up on my farm. The old .22 probably isn’t going to get the job done.