Humans and animals
sInce ancient times
humans have used
many types of animals
for a vast range of
different purposes.
Meat, milk and honey
Humans have always hunted
eaten wild animals. Milk from such
animals as cows, goats, sheep. camels.
Maneater
A tigress known as the
Champawat maneater. afl
the part Of India in which
lived. killed a record 436
over five years„ She was shot
1907 by British big-gam
ter Colonel Jim Corbe
(1875-1955).
buffalo, reindeer. llamas and yaks is drunk,
used in cooking and made into butter and
cheese- The eggs from birds such as hens, ducks,
geese and quail are another important food.
Honey has long been taken from the hives of
wild bees, and now from domesticated bees
kept in artificial hives.
Wool, fur and skin
Wool is shorn from live Sheep, then
regrow their coats. The fur and leather of
many Other animals tan be taken only after
the animal has been killed. Cattle. goats,
Gabbits, mink, seals, wolves, foxes. kangaroos,
big cats such as leopards, and alligators and
snakes are among the many animals that have
been used in this way, There are some very
special uses for animal skin: for example,
medieval manuscripts were written on vellum,
made from calfskin.
Silk
Silk comes from the silkworm, the caterpillar
of the silkmoth Silkworms eat about a ton of
mulberry leaves to make 1 1 lb. (S kg) Of silk.
Beasts of burden and transport
Strong animals such as horses, donkeys,
camels. reindeer and buffalo are used to pull
agricultural equipment and carts, and to carry
people. Elephants drag heavy logs. pit ponies
once drew trucks in coal mines, and dogs—usually
huskies—pull sleds.
Security
Guard dogs (and even guard geese), police dogs and
sniffer dogs (to detect drugs) are Widely used.
Helpers
Sheepdogs. hunting hounds, retrievers and guide dogs for the blind
are among the best known, but other animals, such as monkeys,
can be trained to aid the disabled. Search and rescue dogs help to
find missing people, lost walkers and climbers, and earthquake
victims. Less well-known human helpers include pigs used to find
truffles (edible fungi) and Cats kept by the British Post Office to
prevent mice from eating the mail! Animals kept as pets also
provide millions of people with companionship,
Military
The warhorse is one of the most familiar Of all military animals,
but elephants have also been successfully used in battles Many
military organizations use dogs, goats and Other animals as
regimental mascots. Message-carrying dogs and carrier pigeons
have been used by armies. During the Iraq war 2004, dolphins
were trained to find mines.
