Last week we had an introduction to the interesting kangaroo rats of the western United States and Mexico, particularly one known as the bannertail. Now let’s consider some special provisions of the Creator for them.
In these desert areas, scorpions are numerous and their sting can kill little animals like bannertails, but the Creator has made them immune to the poison. Another provision for them in these places where water is seldom found has been to enable kangaroo rats to survive without drinking water. Instead, their water supply is in the seeds and vegetation they eat. In addition, they have been given a special nose 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 fellows close the entrances to their tunnels when underground in the daytime, which not only keeps cool air in but retains the moisture that does escape in their breathing — all helping to make their burrows more comfortable.
Their long, bare tail is not only useful in giving strength and maintaining balance as they hop about, but it acts as an efficient air conditioner as well. You see, they do not perspire from any part of their body except on the whole length of their tail. As they swing it 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 limbs and hands to stuff them int cheek pouches so they can be taken into the underground burrow for winter storage. The Creator has given them the ability to store this food so that it keeps perfectly 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. Their outside activities only take place during the night. On a bright moonlight night the visitor might, however, be rewarded when the bannertails come out, one by one, hopping about on their kangaroo-like hind legs. 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.
David, the Psalmist, was often thinking about how wonderful are His 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.” Psalms 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). We can do the same!
ML-01/26/1986