Talk to the Animals: 8 outrageous animal myths

While some animal myths are truly laughable, others have a much more sinister element. Photos / Thinkstock

Opinion

Every culture has its fair share of myths and superstitions involving animals. Despite the ridiculous nature of some, many are still alive and well. Whereas crossing the road to avoid a black cat is of little consequence, those involving the 'magical' powers of body parts of various endangered animals are a real cause for concern.

After investigating those myths that have made it into the 21st century, these are my top picks:

Porcupines can shoot their quills at an attacker

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Some species of this prickly rodent have quills up to 30 centimeters long. A would be predator can come away with quills sticking out of its skin after an encounter with one of these spiky creatures which is probably what started this myth. Although quills detach easily, porcupines are not capable of 'shooting' them at anything. This is about as likely as a person being able to shoot their fingernails.

Bear Bile is an essential treatment

For centuries the bile of the Asiatic black bear and some other species has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat ailments such as gall stones, liver problems and heart disease. The bile extracted from these endangered bears does in fact contain high levels of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) which can be an effective treatment. Synthetic versions are now available which are just as effective, cheaper and do not involve the mass torture of bears. Other more reliable treatments are also readily available.

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Lemmings commit mass suicide by running off cliffs

Unlike humans, animals don't subscribe to abstract beliefs or concepts. The idea that thousands of lemmings throw themselves off cliffs would serve no evolutionary advantage and simply does not happen. Given their habitat, the odd lemming does inadvertently take a fatal plunge, however there is no 'charismatic lemming leader' orchestrating this.

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Bats are blind

Bats are not blind at all, but as many species are active at night, this does present some logistical issues. No animal can see in complete darkness. Bats, and their fellow mammals, dolphins, use a technique called echolocation. Sounds emitted by the animal 'bounce' off nearby objects, indicating its relative proximity.

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Shark fins increase sexual potency and increase vitality

The only scientific evidence I could find around this subject was that shark fin has been proved ineffective in cancer treatment and due to mercury levels can actually cause sterility in men. Otherwise there is no evidence supporting the supposed positive benefits. The demand for shark fin brings species sustainability concerns as well as welfare implications with the cruel practice of definning live sharks and leaving them to die.

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Elephants never forget

This certainly sounds outrageous but appears to be true. An article in Scientific American magazine cites several well supported examples showing that elephants do indeed have incredible memories. This centres on the longevity of these animals which allows them to remember and repeat successful responses to severe climatic events as well as being able to keep track of large family groups.

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Rhino horn is a 'cure-all'

All rhino species are highly endangered due to the demand for their horns. Many Asian cultures believe that rhino horn when ground and dissolved is capable of curing anything from fever and hallucinations through to typhoid, food poisoning and even snake bites. Rhino horn is composed largely of keratin, which is what our hair and fingernails are made of. Raj Amin, an ecologist from the Zoological Society of London says that you would benefit just as much from chewing your own fingernails.

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Rats are filthy animals

The spectacular shudders and shrieks from some people when presented with a perfectly clean and clever little pet rat seem somewhat at odds with the reality of these cute creatures. Admittedly they are not everyone's favourite, though the reasons for this seem a little unjust. Rats are in fact fastidiously clean animals with a real commitment to grooming. They are actually less likely to transmit diseases than cats or dogs and even that is not down to any lack of personal hygiene.

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While some animal myths are truly laughable, others have a much more sinister element and impact directly on the welfare and conservation status of our precious wildlife - definitely not something to put your head in the sand about.