ECOLOGY 287 



the bee could observe me as objectively as I observe her, would she not 

 define man in exactly those same terms? Can she do otherwise? Can I do 

 otherwise? 



>■>-><<■ < 



HOW DANGEROUS IS THE JUNGLE? * 

 C. SUYDAM CUTTING 



A good way to improve one's knowledge of natural history is to look 

 into some of the misconceptions that have arisen about the character of 

 wild animals. For misconceptions, like bad pennies, keep cropping up in 

 daily conversations, and our knowledge of animals must stand that test 

 before we can go further. I refer not to wild animals seen along the length 

 of a rifle barrel but wild animals as they exist under natural conditions. Our 

 discussion will be limited to some simple observations, for I have never 

 undertaken an exploring trip for the prime purpose of studying wildlife. 

 But I have always been as much interested in the natural behavior of the 

 wild animals I have hunted in Africa and Asia as in the actual sport. 



For all the danger to the lesser animals, the jungle is a more tranquil spot 

 than the romancers make out. The man who enters it for the first time may 

 expect to see a congress of frenzied animals with a symphonic background 

 of roaring lions, barking jackals, hissing snakes. Instead, he is surprised to 

 find a vast silence, broken only by the cries of birds and the stridulations 

 of insects. If he stays long enough, he may, depending on the region, hear 

 a lion roar before starting off on a hunt, a hyena growling as if the sounds 

 came from the depths of his bowels (the hyena's growl, contrary to legend, 

 does not resemble laughter! ), or a jackal barking his Hght, sharp note. Many 

 animals will probably maintain a discreet silence. 



The quietest time of all in the jungle is high noon, when the glare of 

 the sun and the heat reach their greatest intensity. Most of the animals are 

 probably sleeping. Even the birds and insects relapse into dead silence. Only 

 the bees are inspired to greater noise and activity by the bright sunlight. 



Late in the afternoon life begins to stir. Toward their various water 

 holes, animals of all kinds begin their cautious descent. Whereas the rumi- 

 nants want only a drink, the meat-eaters are yearning for dinner. The 

 mortality curve rises at this hour. 



The lion, tiger, or leopard will probably start his prowling toward the 

 watering hole of lesser animals. The big cats are extremely agile but at 

 the same time they are not in the market for any long distance runs. They 

 first stalk their victims and then make a rush. When they get near enough 

 to strike, it is all over for the victim. 



* Reprinted by pennission of Natural History Magazine and the author. Copyright 

 1941. 



