When you see something unlikely, from out on the fringes, don’t just dismiss it as some sort of anomaly. Dig deeper, look for the cause, every now and again that search will deliver a nugget of innovation
The header photograph of goats in trees is typical
There is a particular evolution of flexible hooves and an enhanced sense of balance that has enabled local goats to climb the Agania tree, native to southern Morocco. The motivation for the goats is the fruit of the tree, an important source of nutrition. The goats eat the fruit and spit the pip providing another one of nature’s wonderful collaborative relationships.
When you see something unexpected, unlikely, or just plain bonkers out on the fringes, it makes sense to have a close look to understand why. Sometimes there will be a nugget of truth hiding in the ‘bonkers’.
In this case there is the nugget of truth, but the photograph does not reflect that truth. An enterprising local goatherd ties young goats to the tree, and then hits up the tourists for a tip when they take photos.
Word of the unusual engaging, unlikely, and interesting stuff like a tree adorned with goats tends to spread. Often the unreality of it hides the nugget of truth.
