The Living Desert is set to host its own version of the Olympics, focusing on the remarkable athleticism of land-bound animals. Dr. James A. Danoff-Burg, an enthusiast of human and animal athletic prowess, shares his insights into this unique event scheduled for July 26.
Dr. Danoff-Burg reflects on the Olympic motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Faster, Higher, Stronger), recently updated by the International Olympic Committee to include "Communiter" (Together). He proposes applying these principles to the animals at The Living Desert.
In the category of "Citius" or faster, he highlights the cheetah's unmatched speed in short sprints and the pronghorn's impressive endurance over long distances. “Being able to get to 70mph for 100m puts the cheetah head and shoulders above others who can go pretty fast over short distances,” he states.
For "Altius" or higher, Dr. Danoff-Burg offers a different perspective than just height. He points out that springtails in desert ecosystems can jump many times their body height using a specialized body part called a springtail. “These proto-insects called springtails can launch themselves in the air, equivalent to more than 180 feet straight up – more than 20 times their height,” he explains.
When it comes to "Fortius" or stronger, Dr. Danoff-Burg champions black rhinos as unparalleled contenders due to their immense strength and ability to manipulate their environment effortlessly. “Rhinos are packed with so much muscle it is awe-inspiring,” he remarks.
Lastly, he reserves "Communiter" for humans' role as custodians of nature. Emphasizing responsible stewardship, Dr. Danoff-Burg calls for collective efforts to protect endangered species and habitats: “Together, communiter, we can work as desert defenders.”