The ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses are as fascinating as they are difficult to keep track of, especially when animals are involved. Many myths feature both sacred and evil creatures in their tales — but it goes even further than that. Egyptian deities, in particular, are known for their connections to animals, most of which were native to Egypt and are still found in the country today. Unfortunately, a few of these species have become endangered. Among the causes for endangerment of the once-sacred animals are poisoning, the pet trade, excessive hunting, and various human threats. With the rise of urbanization and agricultural encroachment, humans are clearing the way for themselves at the expense of native species whose natural habitats are under threat of destruction. To see any species face severe population decline for any of these reasons is tragic — so take this opportunity to learn more about the threats these animals face, while also learning about their relevance to Egypt’s ancient civilization. Isis, Nekhbet, and the Egyptian Vulture Rather than the scavengers they are often perceived as now, vultures were viewed as symbols of power and insight in…
