DR. JENNIFER RYCENGA

PROFESSOR, HUMANITIES AND COMPARATIVE RELIGIOUS STUDIES, SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY

Today's Date: July 31, 2006

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

As a young child I was always attracted to water - Lake Michigan when very young, and swimming in Long Island Sound off Connecticut as a school-aged child. Being immersed (literally) in an environment other than my terrestrial one gave me a sense of difference, and an intuition of other ways of being/thinking.

The other very meaningful interaction with an animal happened with the cat and dog my family had as I grew up. The cat -- a very proud Siamese -- had been insulted when we got a dog (a very smart black miniature poodle). But when the Siamese started to fail, the dog protected him. Watching the cat's life ebb, and the changing relationship between the cat and the dog during that process, taught me much about life and death. I was 14 at the time.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

I've always cultivated favorite places, as a child and as an adult. I think my favorite place, though, was far enough out on Long Island Sound to sense total separation from land, and to be surrounded by the saltiness of the sea.

Now? I've developed a key relationship with Gazos Creek Road, about 25 miles south of my home, where I do a regular bird survey. The place, and even individual birds, now feel like friends to me.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

I have so many favorites, it is hard to pick one. I would say that among the non-domesticated mammals, my favorite is the Harbor Seal. I love their curiosity, their soulful eyes, and their marbled fur. The pinnipeds as a group are an especial favorite. Among birds, I love the fluttering types - Nighthawks and Swifts. My favorite birds are Lesser Nighthawk, Black Tern, Black Swift, Pinyon Jay, Common Poorwill. I also have a fond spot for the homely Upland Sandpiper.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Loss of species diversity because of habitat destruction. In the future, global warming will become more apparent in its impact.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Love nature, know it intimately. You will then be less likely to hurt it, or strain its resources through wanton increase in human population and human demands.