Last week we had an introduction to the interesting kangaroo rats of the western United States and Mexico, particularly one known as the bannertail. Today let’s take a look at the amazing special provisions the Creator gave them.
In these desert areas scorpions are all over, and their sting can kill little animals like kangaroo rats, but the Creator has made them immune to the poison. We all know that water is scarce in desert conditions, but He has enabled them to survive without drinking water. Instead, their water supply is produced when food inside them combines with the oxygen they breathe. In addition, they have been given special noses so that very little moisture from their lungs passes out into the air when they breathe (as it does with other animals), but returns into their bodies. To further keep moisture from escaping, these little creatures close the entrances to their tunnels when underground in the daytime. This not only keeps cool air in, but retains the moisture that does escape in their breathing.
Their long, bare tails are not only useful in maintaining balance as they hop about, but they also act as an efficient air conditioner. You see, they do not perspire from any parts of their bodies except their tails. As they swing their tails rapidly from side to side, the perspiration evaporates and cools them.
In late summer our little friends are busy picking a variety of seeds, using their short front feet to stuff them into cheek pouches to be carried into the burrow for winter storage. The Creator has given them the ability to store this food so that it keeps without spoiling until eaten.
Bannertails are certainly an interesting example of the wonders of God’s creation. However, a desert visitor might be disappointed by not seeing one, because they come out only at night to gather food. However, a visitor might be rewarded on a bright moonlight night. They put on a lively show at such times, but the visitor must remain perfectly still, for one movement or noise will send them scurrying back to their burrows.
Not many of us will have an opportunity to watch these desert animals, but as we look around us and remember that all things have come from a divine Creator, we will easily see His wisdom and loving care in providing for all His creation.
King David was often thinking about the Lord God’s wonderful ways with all His creation and wrote, “I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth all Thy marvelous works” (Psalm 9:11<<To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David.>> I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvellous works. (Psalm 9:1)). And we can do the same!
ML-03/21/1999