Currently, just about a week ago, a study of native species of birds from New Zealand shows that body odor is endangering them. Animals brought to New Zealand from other countries enjoy eating these native birds, and the stink created when they make wax to preen themselves helps predators find them. Stoats and cats are among the native bird-eaters. According to scientist, Jim Briskie, kiwi birds emit a mushroom-like odor, while the kakapo parrot smells like an old violin case. According to Briskie, after a couple years of study, he may be able to design a deodorant for these birds, and prevent them from rapidly disappearing.
I thought that this article was really interesting, because it never occurred to me that birds could be stinky, just like humans! I think it's a really good idea to try to create deodorant for these birds in order to prevent predators from sniffing them out. I hope that this 'Jim Briskie' can really find a cure for the stinkiness of these birds, because we already have TOO many extinct species on our hands, and we don't need more. Also, if many of these birds died, it would greatly impact the food chain in New Zealand, and many more native animals will die from hunger.
Source: http://news.discovery.com/animals/smelly-birds-new-zealand.html
wow! bird deodorant! this invention could not only save this birds entire species but it could also mean that we could find deodorant for other animal species too! Then people might be able to keep pigs and monkeys as pets, we could find out more about the skunk world and cats and dogs wouldn't have to smell like rotten egg after a day outside!
ReplyDeletegreat choice of article, it was really interesting!