Fox Squirrel,
Sciurus niger.
On Endangered Species Day, I’ll note that Fox Squirrels are not endangered because they adapt readily to human habitats full of Live Oak acorns and bird feeders, both of which are available locally in abundance. Species that cannot cohabit with
Homo sapiens are dropping like flies, birds, frogs, fish, and all the other Charismatic (and non-charismatic) Megafauna our laws and international treaties have spent 5 decades failing to protect. While I admire & celebrate the motives and diligence of those who have worked to preserve our wild cousins, I’ll pause to reflect that there are deeper mechanisms at work, as Sir David describes in this 6min video:
youtu.be/dbCR0KSU52g
Please join me in gratitude and appreciation for the natural world.
Happy Fence Friday! (By restricting wildlife mobility, fences create ecosystem “islands” that support fewer species.)
20 May 2022; 10:45 CDT; Velvia + 191;34;7
