Wildlife has innumerable lessons to offer that human beings can learn. Lessons on community building, cooperation, communication and the basic survival skills — all of which are relevant to our lives as well. Let’s pause for a moment to observe how different animals can guide us with fascinating information on living life, king size!
1. Adaptability
One of the most important lessons from wildlife is their ability to adapt to the ever changing environment. These adaptations are not limited to physical changes, but reflect in their behavioural changes as well. Animals can adapt themselves to the changing weather conditions. Birds migrate seasonally over long distances to seek sources for food, and many like snakes and bears prepare to hibernate during the winter months. While predator species adapt their hunting strategies and diet according to their habitats, survival strategies have been inculcated by prey species to thwart the threats they face there. One fascinating example is that of the octopus, it has the ability to camouflage in its aquatic surroundings to dupe predators.
These prove to us that being aware and responsive to changes can help human beings to not only adapt to our rapidly transforming world, but also devise intelligent ways to combat threats that can harm us and our home planet.
2. Cooperation
Coordination among members of one animal species leads to the formation of a community that supports each other through thick and thin. Elephants are a perfect example for the same. They understand that adhering to their herd can lead to a peaceful life in their community. Elephants in the wild belong to matriarchal societies, a group led by a female elephant. Together as a tight-knit family, they are committed to the herd’s protection, as well as taking care of the young elephants.
On rare occasions, one animal species has been reported to make exceptions to its inborn nature in order to survive. Tigers are solitary predators, and mark vast territories for themselves in forests. However, rapid loss and fragmentation of their environment has resulted in a decline of their prey population, resulting in these big cats forming alliances known as an ‘ambush’ to hunt and share larger prey.
When faced with challenges or obstacles, a joint effort can help overcome each unkind situation. This reflects the trust and respect that forms the foundation for groups to maintain lasting social ties. Such community building aspects make for an inspiring chapter for human beings to come together and solve problems that we and our shared planet faces.
3. Coexistence
Another aspect that wildlife displays is coexistence! There are several species of plants and animals, both in forests as well as in water, that occupy an area together to create a harmonious ecosystem. Each has their own specific role to play that ensures their own well-being, as well as that of the habitat. This shows that different species sharing an environment are working together to secure healthy existence and continuity. The silent efforts of the wild have several important teachings for human beings, which can be learnt through careful attention, appreciation and acknowledgement of our world’s remarkable cohabitants.
One example of coexistence between animals is cattle egrets and elephants! As elephants cross different pastures and grasslands in the wild, their movement stirs up insects and other small organisms out of the vegetation, giving cattle egrets a perfect opportunity to sweep in and feed on them. This is why cattle egrets mount on the backs of elephants! Another way in which the two cordially coexist is that cattle egrets also provide a “cleaning service” to the elephants — they pluck off insects like flies and grasshoppers that end up on the elephants’ skin, and please their own appetite this way as well.
4. Rising from Failures
Animals are often faced with setbacks and failures as nothing in the wild is predictable. Infant animals like leopard cubs must fail repeatedly to understand how to properly hunt, climb or counter threats. Similarly, young birds need to make various attempts at flying, before they master the skill. However, without facing initial defeat and letdowns, wildlife would never be able to learn or understand how best to survive in the wild.
This is a crucial lesson for human beings who wish to fulfil their dreams and aspirations. Embracing failure as a learning experience can lead to greater success in the long run. It is important for us to view mistakes and challenges as opportunities for being a better version of ourselves.
5. Sustainability
Wildlife in their natural habitat demonstrate the ability to maintain a natural balance in their ecosystem. Predators in the wild are needed to control the population of their prey from abnormally expanding. The existence of keystone species like tigers and elephants influences an entire ecosystem, and loss and displacement of native species would transform and disrupt the healthy chain of functions followed in the habitat’s flora and fauna. Additionally, these ecosystem engineers are actually irreplaceable — if the species were to disappear from a particular ecosystem, no other species would be able to fill its ecological niche. Sloth bears, for instance, are a keystone species too because they help to preserve the health of a forest by actively foraging and consuming ample amounts of termites and fruits.
Taking a leaf from this wildlife lesson, maintaining the health and availability of natural resources of our planet requires us to be fair in our usage of them. Expansion of human population and activities is exploiting nature, depleting natural resources that are bound to harm our future generations. Prioritising sustainability of our environment can initiate ways to increase our respect and sensitivity towards nature, and help us secure a balance between human needs and responsibilities.
6. Importance of Rest
Every day, animals direct their energies on activities such as hunting, climbing, marking territories, exploring and expanding their areas, and digging holes and burrows. One can notice how birds are constantly active and moving as they fly, collect items to create homes, feed themselves and even their young ones. However, birds and animals take time off from their exerting activities to rest and recover. This rest time refreshes them for another energetic round of their daily routine!
Similarly, it is very important for humans to bring a balance between work and rest for our overall well-being. Relaxing the body and mind can make one more productive and creative. Keeping mental as well as physical health in check this way can lead to a happy and fulfilling life.
Numerous helpful lessons can be learnt by observing the workings of the awe-inspiring natural world. Embracing such lessons can lead to a more understanding, cooperative and sustainable society, one which is willing to work to build a better future for us, the wildlife and our planet.
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