It is always heart rending to watch fellow creatures suffer. During droughts, when water and food supplies become scarce and the harsh conditions take their toll on herbivores that require large amounts of these precious resources, it is human nature to feel compelled to step in and assist – to try to alleviate the suffering and prevent creatures from dying. There is an argument, however, to let nature take it’s course.
In nature, animals that die are usually old, weak or sick individuals that are less equipped to handle adversity. Most animals are territorial, with dominant ones occupying lucrative spots and weaker ones being marginalized to more arid areas which makes them particularly vulnerable when times get tough. This process of natural selection favors members of the species that have adapted better to the environment ensuring that the stronger animals survive. These are the ones that are better equipped to march on into the future carrying more resilient traits. These are the animals that pass on their strong genes to future generations. This is “Survival of the Fittest”, and it ensures the ultimate survival of the species.
The process of survival not only requires adaption to the ever changing environment, but there is also a continual struggle between “hunter” and “hunted” as prey species attempt to outwit the predators. Carnivores are forced to take up the challenge and evolve their physique and hunting skills too. They become more efficient in order to survive and feed their young.
Cycles of nature fluctuate continuously, making conditions more favourable for the predators in some years, whilst at other times the prey species remain on top. When animals die of natural causes, there are always scavengers, vultures and other species that benefit from the windfall. In a whole ecosystem, nothing goes to waste.
Animal numbers are influenced by the food resources available. Fluctuations of animal populations and vegetation in the face of droughts, floods or other acts of nature are the drivers of highly variable but healthy semiarid savannah ecosystems. In response, animal populations self-regulate in relation to their food supply through births and deaths, or through dispersal.
That is how it’s meant to be. Surely it follows then that we should refrain from interfering, and let nature dictate?
