How a Red Antelope Became a Fallow Deer: Adventures in Bible Translation and Conservation

Coke’s hartebeests (Alcelaphus buselaphus cokii) on the African savanna.

The “Red” Mystery: Is that a Hartebeest in Your Bible?

If you’re reading through the Old Testament, you’ll find lists of animals that sound like they belong in a European forest—deer, gazelles, and roebucks. But what if one of those names actually refers to a giant, red-coated African antelope?

In Deuteronomy 14:5 and 1 Kings 4:23, the Bible mentions an animal called the yachmur. While most versions translate this Hebrew words as “fallow deer” (possibly Dama mesopotamica?) or “roebuck” (Capreolus capreolus?), it may be a case of mistaken identity.

Why the Hartebeest?

The name yachmur comes from a Hebrew root meaning “to be red.” While fallow deer can be reddish, the Bubal hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus buselaphus)—which once roamed the Levant and Egypt—was famous for its striking, tawny-red coat.

Unlike European deer, the hartebeest was desert-adapted, making it a much more likely candidate for a list of kosher animals in the biblical Heartland. Bubal bones have been identified in Bronze and Iron Age contexts at several sites, including Lachish, Ekron, and Tel Dor.

Sadly, this majestic creature was pressed into extinction; the last member of the species either died in a Paris zoo in 1923 or was shot in Morocco in 1925.

The Bubal hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus buselaphus) and Coke's hartebeest (pictured above) are closely related. Of the two, the Bubal* was smaller and seems to have ranged further north—across North Africa and up the coast of the Levant.

This is the only known photo of a living Bubal hartebeest. It was kept at a London Zoo from 4 October 1883 until 27 April 1897. The original image was taken in 1895; I found it here.

A Royal Meal

The yahmur wasn't just a random wild animal; it was one of the choice meats served at King Solomon’s table. In ancient times, these large antelopes were plentiful across the region, making them a perfect candidate for a royal feast.

So, why haven't we heard of it? Perhaps because this species quietly vanished from the tableau, later translators—unfamiliar with this rare “red antelope” of the desert—opted for more familiar European options like the roebuck or deer.

A Majestic Identity

So the next time you’re reading a biblical story, remember that the “fallow deer” on the horizon might just be a majestic, African antelope. The Bubal hartebeest is a reminder of how diverse, African,—and fragile—the dry environments of the biblical world truly are.

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Want to read more about Coke’s Hartebeest? Check out our post, “Colonel Coke’s Hartebeest: Africa’s Unusual Antelope.”

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*The LXX translates yachmur as boubalos, hence the term, Bubal hartebeest. Outside the Bible, the same word was used by classical writers (like Herodotus and Strabo) to describe a wild antelope. Curiously, the English term “buffalo” is likewise derived from the Greek boubalos.

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Bible Land Explorers are headed back to Tanzania June 3-13, 2027. Lake Victoria, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, are on our agenda as we photo-hunt big cats, small birds, and everything in-between. We are now receiving early registrations for this exclusive small-group adventure. See the link here for brochure and more information or email us at BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com.

The Egyptian Goose: Just a Burly-Legged Shelduck

Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca) showing off his burly legs. I found this one on the northern safari circuit in Tanzania.

Do those burly legs really belong to this Egyptian goose (which is technically a shelduck)?

No tricks here. These birds have serious drumsticks. Their legs are thick and strong enough to support several specialized behaviors that set them apart from other waterfowl.

Why Egyptian Geese Have Powerful Legs

Egyptian geese need stout, powerful legs because they:

• Live on Land: Unlike many ducks that stay on the water, shelducks are primarily terrestrial. Their legs are built for walking and grazing in open fields, grasslands, and agricultural areas. When threatened, they are just as likely to run as they are to fly.

• Perch and Nest in Trees: These agile avians often nest in trees, on cliffs, or even on man-made structures like roofs and poles. Their strong legs allow them to balance easily on narrow branches and uneven surfaces.

• Exhibit Territorial Aggression: Egyptian geese are famously territorial. Their powerful legs provide a solid base during physical fights, which can involve kicking or striking opponents with their clawed toes and wing knobs. They often mate for life and are known to fight in pairs to defend their space.

• Conserve Heat by Standing on One Leg: You will often see them standing on one leg while tucking the other into their breast feathers. This common waterfowl behavior reduces heat loss and helps the bird conserve energy.

Identifying Egyptian Geese by Leg Color

If you are trying to identify them by age, look at the leg coloration:

• Hatchlings: Dull olive-gray legs.

• Juveniles: Transitioning to a yellow-gray hue.

• Adults: Vibrant pink or purplish-pink.

While the Egyptian goose is widespread across Africa, they have become a common sight in urban areas of North America and Western Europe due to successful introduction. Some consider them invasives.

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To learn more about the Egyptian goose, see our post, “Duck, Duck, Goose: The Identity Crisis of the Egyptian Goose.”

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Bible Land Explorers are headed back to Tanzania June 3-13, 2027. Lake Victoria, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, are on our agenda as we photo-hunt big cats, small birds, and everything in-between. We are now receiving early registrations for this exclusive small-group adventure. See the link here for brochure and more information or email us at BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com.

Why Do Lions Sleep So Much? The Science of Survival Napping

A male lion practicing his "strategic survival tactic" on the Serengeti.

The Truth Behind the “Mighty” Jungle Nap

In the jungle, the mighty jungle / The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the quiet jungle / the lion sleeps tonight (ho, ho) Wee-oh aweem away!

The lion sleeps tonight—and most of the day, too. While the lyrics suggest a peaceful scene, the reality is a bit more lopsided: male lions are the undisputed kings of the nap, logging an incredible 18 to 20 hours of sleep every day.

While the species is generally sedentary, males spend significantly more time slumbering than females, who handle the bulk of the hunting and cub-rearing. However, this isn't laziness; it’s a strategic survival tactic.

Why Do Lions Sleep So Much?

Lions aren't just lounging—they are wired to rest. Their sleep serves three critical functions:

• Energy Conservation: Built for explosive bursts of power rather than long-distance endurance, lions save their strength for high-stakes hunts or territorial defense.

• Temperature Regulation: With very few sweat glands, lions avoid the midday heat, shifting their activity to the cooler twilight and nighttime hours.

• Digesting Heavy Meals: Processing massive amounts of protein and fat requires significant metabolic energy. In fact, after a large kill, a big male may sleep for 24 hours straight to digest.

The Science of the “Strategic Survival Nap”

So you knew this was coming, right? The next time you find me sprawled out on the couch, remember: I’m not being lazy. I’m simply channeling my inner apex predator and practicing a “strategic survival nap.” Hey, if it works for the King of the Jungle, it might work for me (and maybe you too!).

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Check out the lionesses in the post here: “The Queens of the Caldera: Lionesses of Ngorongoro.”

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Bible Land Explorers are headed back to Tanzania June 3-13, 2027. Lake Victoria, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, are on our agenda as we photo-hunt big cats, small birds, and everything in-between. We are now receiving early registrations for this exclusive small-group adventure. See the link here for brochure and more information or email us at BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com.

The Biological Barcode: Why No Two Zebras Are Alike

Like a fingerprint, no two zebra stripe patterns are the same.

Zebra skin and the origin of Stripes

I feel the need to resolve this from the start: the zebra is a black skinned animal with white stripes; it’s not the other way round. The proof in the muzzle or in other anatomical parts that lack hair.

With that out of the way, we can talk stripes.

The monochrome patterns of this African icon are boss enough on their own, but the story of how they develop is even more incredible. A zebra’s stripes are actually a reflection of its embryonic development, a story governed by a precise biological clock.

The Secrets of Melanin and Hair Pigmentation

Long before a zebra is born, specialized cells in the embryo act like tiny ink factories, pumping dark melanin into developing hair follicles. However, around the eighth month of pregnancy (the gestation period lasts about a year), a chemical messenger sweeps across the skin, signaling some of these factories to shut down. In these “quiet zones,” the hair grows out colorless—appearing to the human eye as brilliant white. This means the white stripes aren’t “painted on”; they are simply the absence of pigment.

Shadow Stripes and Complex Coat Patterns

The complexity doesn't stop there. In some species, the “stop” signal doesn't quite reach every corner of the wide white bands. When this happens, “shadow stripes” are created—faint, brownish lines that emerge ghost-like between the primary black and white bands. These additional marks add a secondary layer of depth to the animal's appearance, making the overall pattern even more intricate.

Embryonic Development and Pattern Formation

What makes each zebra a one-of-a-kind creation is the chaotic perfection of timing. The stripes form according to the specific curvature of the embryo's body while it is still developing. Because the embryo constantly expands like a rising loaf of bread, the exact micro-second those pigment factories “turn off” determines the final look. This dance between chemistry and physical growth ensures that the stripes align perfectly with the animal's unique shape.

Why Every Zebra Stripe Pattern is Unique

This time-sensitivity is why no two patterns ever match. If the “off” signal hits early, the white stripe has more room to stretch as the embryo grows, leading to wide, bold bands. If it hits a moment late, the stripes remain thin and frequent. Much like a human fingerprint, this process creates a biological barcode—a signature unique enough for mothers to recognize their foals and for scientists to track individuals across the savanna.

Zebras—and their formation processes—are flat-out amazing.

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If zebras are your thing, check out this post: “Why do Zebras Hug?”

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Bible Land Explorers are headed back to Tanzania June 3-13, 2027. Lake Victoria, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, are on our agenda as we photo-hunt black-and-white zebras, colorful birds, and everything in-between. We are now receiving early registrations for this exclusive small-group adventure. See the link here for brochure and more information or email us at BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com.

Stewards of the Sea: Why the Indian Ocean Gyre Matters

View to the Indian Ocean from space. Image from here (accessed 4/26/2026).

What is an oceanic gyre and how does it work on the other side of the world?

The earth has five major oceanic gyres: the North/South Pacific, North/South Atlantic, and Indian Ocean. These circular currents play a key role in global climate regulation and marine debris accumulation.

Our travels to the Indian Ocean have convinced me of the need for a Creation Care wake-up call. We must treat our oceans with respect and stop letting our junk become the problem for future generations.

Check out the video.

Click on the panel below to view.

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Learn about the “Five Gyres Institute” here: https://www.5gyres.org/

Learn about “The Ocean Cleanup” here: https://theoceancleanup.com/

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Bible Land Explorers are headed back to Tanzania June 3-13, 2027. Lake Victoria, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, are on our agenda as we photo-hunt big cats, small birds, and everything in-between. We are now receiving early registrations for this exclusive small-group adventure. See the link here for brochure and more information or email us at BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com.

Filtration Experts: How Flamingos Eat

These pink birds in Lake Magadi appear cartoon-like, but there is nothing silly about the flamingo’s filter system.

The Soda Lake

William pumped the brake and we rolled to a stop on the mud pan edging Lake Magadi. Before us, a flock of lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor) stood head-down in the shallows, deep into their rhythmic filtration routine.

The highly alkaline waters of this caldera lake create a harsh and specialized ecosystem. Among those who can survive it: blue-green algae and tiny crustaceans. These survivors attract others with the specialized equipment required to extract them from the soda water. Enter: the flamingo’s filtration system.

Flamingo “Combs”

To the untrained eye, the birds in front of us looked like they were simply splashing around. In truth, we were witnessing one of the most sophisticated feeding mechanisms in the avian world. While we usually associate filter feeding with massive baleen whales, flamingos have perfected this high-tech technique on a small scale.

The secret lies within their hooked beaks. If you could look closely, you’d see the edges are lined with rows of tiny, hair-like plates called lamellae. These act like a kitchen strainer. As the flamingo sweeps its head through the water, these “combs” trap tasty treats like brine shrimp while allowing sand and silt to wash right through. Check out the lamellae in the illustration below.

Illustration of flamingo’s head showing lamellae (Zweers et al, 1995, modified by Anja Soklic). Image source here (accessed 4/6/2026).

A Tongue Like a Piston

Recognize, however, that the strainers are only half of the mechanism. The second half of is the tongue. To get the water moving, the flamingo uses its large, fleshy tongue as a high-speed pump. By rapidly retracting it toward the back of the throat—up to 20 times per second—the bird creates a powerful internal vacuum.

This pumping action sucks nutrient-rich water into the beak, catches the food in the lamellae, and then forces the excess water back out in a constant, rhythmic cycle.

Efficiency in Every Gulp

This specialized setup allows flamingos to flourish in environments like Lake Magadi where most other birds would starve. They can extract microscopic organisms too small for other feeders to grasp. It’s a marvel of creation: a built-in filtration system that ensures they stay well-fed—and perfectly pink—with every mouthful.

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Check out this blog post by Anja Boisselet to learn more about the flamingo’s flitration system: “Pollen filtration from water inspired by a flamingo.”

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Bible Land Explorers are headed back to Tanzania June 3-13, 2027. Lake Victoria, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, are on our agenda as we photo-hunt big cats, small birds, and everything in-between. We are now receiving early registrations for this exclusive small-group adventure. See the link here for brochure and more information or email us at BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com.

The Amazing Ears of the Black-backed Jackal

Black-backed jackal with its alert oversized ears. The dense white hairs inside the outer ear function like a microphone “wind muff.” They keep the inner ear clean, break up static, and help pinpoint high-frequency rustles.

The Savanna’s Living Satellite Dishes

On the floor of the the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, the Black-backed Jackal moves through the grass. Its most striking features are its oversized, upright ears—satellite dishes that function like high-gain antennas. These aren’t just for show; they are tools that gives this omnivore a level of situational awareness that few predators can match.

the Art of the Swivel

Specialists call it “independent pinna movement,”* but to the jackal, it’s simply the art of the swivel. By rotating each outer ear separately—up to 180 degrees—it can triangulate a sound with pinpoint accuracy, whether it’s the tiny rustle of a dung beetle or the ominous snap of a distant twig. While a few humans can wiggle their ears on demand, the jackal is a master of this muscular feat, turning its entire head into an acoustical mapping device.

A Radiator Under the African Sun

But these ears do more than just listen; they breathe. Laced with a delicate web of blood vessels, the wide surface area acts as a natural radiator. As the African sun climbs, the jackal sheds excess body heat into the passing breeze, staying cool while others wilt.

This auditory precision is the secret behind the jackal’s iconic “mousing” pounce—a leap of pure faith guided by sound alone. But even in its downtime, the ears remain active, flickering to relay moods and warnings to a lifelong mate.

From eavesdropping on a lion’s kill to surviving the midday glare, these animated antennas help explain the resilience of this amazing animal.

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*The pinna or auricle refers to the visible outer ear assembly, made of skin and cartilage. The pinna collects and directs sound waves into the ear canal. Independent pinna movement is achieved by muscles that connect the ear to the skull and scalp. Cats, kangaroos, horses, and, of course, jackals, are among the animals that have this capability.

For more on scavengers of East Africa, see our post, “Scavengers of Ngorongoro: Lessons on Energy and Renewal.”

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Bible Land Explorers are headed back to Tanzania June 3-13, 2027. Lake Victoria, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, are on our agenda as we photo-hunt big cats, small birds, and everything in-between. We are now receiving early registrations for this exclusive small-group adventure. See the link here for brochure and more information or email us at BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com.