CNN has picked
up a story from the journal
Biodiversity that deals with:
…. how vulnerable
species that overtly display characteristics human beings respect or find
desirable -- such as beauty, strength, power or cuddliness -- are more likely
to be the focus of concerted conservation programs than animals or plants that
are less appealing to the eye.
"People have
biases towards species that are glamorous," said Dr. Ernie Small, author
of the study and taxonomist for Agriculture Canada.
"Animals that are
beautiful, entertaining or that command respect due to their size or power are
almost always given greater forms of conservation protection."
Fortunately for Idyllwild, our own
Idyll-Beast meets or exceeds new federal guidelines for personal appearance of
protected species. The beauty and cuddliness aspects are attested to by the
scores of photographs Idyllwild visitors take home with them and which we gladly
publish here. As to strength, the animal is sometimes seen working out at the
par course below the ICRC playground site. And reportedly making excellent time.
And as
to power, well there are different kinds of power. His position as a director
of the Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce gives him some very limited powers. I
believe he is able to sign checks (with a second director.) And of course Chamber
Directors have the power of invisibility. He can also make and second motions and
vote.
But
I think what the authors of the study cited had in mind were more “telegenic”
powers. Being beautiful,
entertaining and commanding respect for his size; what better description could
an Idyll-Beast elicit? Certainly the behavior of the ladies in many of these
photos is ample testament to powers most of us wish we had…
