CAMEL
There are two kinds of camels: the dromedary,
or Arabian camel, which has one hump, and the Bactrian camel, which has two humps. The
humps are stores of flesh and fat, absorbed as nutrition when food is scarce. A camel can
subsist without water for several days. The Arabian camel usually stands 2 m (7 ft) tall
at the shoulders. The hump rises about 30 cm (about 12 in) above the back. The Bactrian camel has shorter legs, is about 1.5 m (about 5 ft) in height at the shoulders, but
usually has a heavier torso than the dromedary. Both types of camels have been
domesticated since ancient times.
The Arabian camel is adapted to subsistence in the desert by its structural qualities and by
its ability to bite off and consume the thorny plants that grow there. Thick, broad sole
pads and thick callosities on the joints of the legs and on the chest, upon which it rests
in a kneeling position, enable it to withstand the heat of the desert sand. Moreover, its
nostrils may be closed against flying dust, and its eyes are shielded by very long
eyelashes.
The Bactrian camel is better adapted to a rocky and cooler region, by virtue of its smaller size and heavier build, harder and more cloven feet, longer and finer wool, and other qualities. Its endurance is as remarkable, under different circumstances.
The endurance and strength of the camel have made it a valuable beast of burden. Loads as great as 454 kg (1000 lb) can be carried by the Bactrian camel, and although its pace is only about 4 km/hr (about 2.5 mph), it can travel as many as 47 km (29 mi) in a day. The Arabian camel, generally used as a saddle animal, can cover more than 161 km (100 mi) in a day.
Vulture
In flight, the Vulture rocks from side to side, rarely
flapping its wings which are held at a V-angle called a dihedral.
Silver-gray flight feathers look lighter than the black lining
feathers of the underwing. Its long tail extends beyond its legs
and feet in flight.
The Vulture is one of the largest birds
of prey. It reaches a length of 32 inches with a wing span of
6 feet. Its overall color is brown-black with a featherless,
red head, white bill and yellow feet among mature adults. Immature
birds have a darker face. Although usually silent, the bird will
occasionally emit a soft hiss or groan.
Nubian Ibex
Nubian ibex is the wild goat that dots much of the Israeli countryside. It is a nimble footed, tan-colored animal which blends well with the rugged limestone hills of the Negev and Judean wilderness. Older males have large scimitar-shaped horns which make for a magnificent silhouette. It is mentioned in the Bible as one of the clean animals which the children of Israel were allowed to eat (Dt. 14:5).
In contrast to most desert animals, the Nubian ibex drinks almost daily.
The light, smooth, shiny coat is thought to reflect a large amount
of incoming solar radiation, which allows the animals to remain active throughout
the day, even during hot summer afternoons. During summer nights, the
Nubian ibex rests in high, open areas of slopes, allowing a variety of escape
routes should danger present itself. During the cooler winter nights,
herds rest in more sheltered places, like caves or under overhangs. Nubian
ibex, although equipped with a semi-waterproof coat, do not like to get wet,
seeking shelter if possible during rain storms.
Hyrax
The translators of the
Torah espoused the term Hyrax for the Hebrew shafan. The text which outlines key dietary
precepts states that due to the above animal's lack of true hooves, it is to be regarded as unclean and
non-kosher (Leviticus 11:5.
The hyrax is a short-legged small tailless furry mammal, about 20 inches long. It is paradoxically the
closest living relative to the elephant. These ruminants are herbivores and live either alone or in small
groups on rocky hills or in trees. They can be found in the Negev Mountains, in Africa and in South
West Asia.
Hyrax will look for kopje, cliffs, or boulders with numerous cavities that will allow many hyraxes to inhabit the rock free from harm. Hyraxes, like reptiles, have little control of their body heat so in order to warm up they must sunbathe in the morning before the sunlight becomes too hot. If a hyrax is exposed to 70* F for less than 2 hours it can suffer heat stress.
A rock hyrax will travel up to 60 yd in order to find the best food, but without risking its safety.
Hawk
The translators of the
Torah espoused the term hawk for the Hebrew netz. The text states that the above animal is unclean
and non-kosher (Leviticus 11:16)
Hawks vary greatly in size and appearance. All have a pointed, down curving bill, sharp strong talons
and large wings with rounded tips. Hawks have very good eyesight and swoop down from great
heights to catch their prey. Their tail is composed of twelve feathers.
Hawks are found throughout the World, except the polar regions.
They are Usually lone hunters often perches on poles or treetops. Their call is a faint, high scream and the nest is a platform of sticks in a forest tree, isolated low tree, cliff, etc.
In common with other buteos, the Red-Tailed Hawk habitually soars in wide circles and drops upon its prey in a steep dive. They are commonly sighted at roadsides, perching atop telephone poles or fence posts and may sit for hours.
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