Animal Behaviour

Animal Behavior

This chapter is important because there will be many references ahead on the behavior of some Animals in this book. And that is why it is important for us to know some basics about those Animals and their behavior before we read the other chapters. Animal behavior is a vast and fascinating subject and compressing it in one chapter is challenging. We shall try to know the basics that we need to know. This will help us gain knowledge from the Animals.

Africa is definitely the cradle of Human civilization. Also, Africa is undoubtedly the cradle of Animal evolution. Africa hosts some of the most beautiful Animals in their natural habitats. Further, you will see most of the Animals that we have studied here come from that distinguished continent. When we talk about wild Animals and their behavior the subject naturally takes us to Africa.

Let’s start knowing the basics about Animals.

There are two types of Animals [mammals]- social and solitary. We have studied both the groups in this chapter. Humanity has learnt from both of them. Social Animals have influenced us more because Human beings are social Animals too, though much evolved. Solitary Animals too have influenced us but not as deep as that of social Animals.

Why do you think we love those animation Hollywood movies made on Animals, like The Lion King? Why King-Kong is a regular subject for remakes? Why Finding Nemo attracts kids? Why the jungle film Tarzan is an all time favorite with kids?

The answer to these questions is simple. We have this unbreakable and natural bond with the Animal kingdom. We feel Animals think like us and behave like us. We are going to see in the chapters ahead if that is true. Take for example a Mother Elephant’s protective love for her calf. It is very similar to Human mother’s love for her kid. Human mother’s life revolves around the kid, the kid’s safety, food, upbringing that is what both the mothers worry constantly. We, Humans can not be separated from Animals, period.

Whenever I have seen the MGM studio film logo before many American films, I have always wondered what an African Lion and a Hollywood studio has in common? It is the Power. I believe, there could not have been any better unpaid brand ambassador for the powerful studio than a roaring Lion. The roaring Lion is a great audio-visual combination that spells power. Remember cinema too is an audio visual medium.

I am repeating one more point here, I have considered some known mammals in the wild for my study of Animals in this book and have let go fish, insects, reptiles and birds. I believe mammals from the wild and we [we are mammals too] have many things in common. Social mammals [Lions, Elephants, Chimps] have more things in common with us than the solitary mammals [Leopards, Cheetahs]. Yes, how can I forget Crocs? They are special. Crocs are social too but Crocs are not mammals.

It is mandatory, for our study that the Animals are from the WILD, only then their behavior is natural and worth studying.

Before we get into more information on Animals, take a look at this globalization of different variety. It is a small diversion but worth a look. Look at this globalization,

a globalization that cuts across Humanity, Animal kingdom and Continents. “I am Indian [Asian] [Human being] studying mainly African Mammals [Animals] in an attempt to gain indepth knowledge concerning Humanity. The analytical approach is most likely to appeal to the North American, Far Eastern and West European, Australian and Urban Indian readers, as their sensibility kind of matches this type of writing, approach and study. In short, we are covering Asia, America, Africa, Australia and Europe in our quest to gain knowledge”.

Let’s start with the Lion.

Lions- The Lion is often described by Humans, as the King of Jungles, primarily because he tops the food chain. There are no threats to his position, it means no predator really looks at him as food and he is relatively safe if he is a part of a solid group of Lions called the ‘Pride’. Every pride is basically a group of closely related lionesses, like mother, sisters, daughters and their cubs. This also means that the Lion is a social cat, all other cats like Tigers, Leopards, Cheetahs, our domestic cats are solitary cats. They live lives on their own and meet the opposite sex only for mating, mainly.

The Lion’s pride is lorded over by one or two male lions, generally brothers. They are alfa males. The alfa male/s guard a territory covering several square miles of area. He marks the territory with his very strong smelling urine splashed at strategic trees and shrubs. The alfa male regularly patrols his territory and looks for the unwanted male intruders. Lions share their territory with other predators and do not hesitate to snatch the hunt from those predators [Hyenas, Leopards, Cheetahs], that is why they are at the top of the food chain. Alfa males shoo away young males, reaching adulthood, from the pride. This is nature’s own way to stop inbreeding. Such young Lions form a small group of their own and they are called ‘Nomads’. Nomads stay solitary or can form a group. Their group may hunt together and wait and watch individually, for any opportunity where they could overpower an existing resident male Lion and take over the pride. When male nomad Lions reach their prime, it is a matter of time till they identify an aging alfa male and out class him in a fierce fight. The old loser either succumbs to the injuries or beats a hasty retreat and lives a solitary life away from the pride. The loser is always forced to leave. It is sad, old defeated male Lions have no place in the pride. The new lord/lords then do the most unthinkable thing for the man but quite logical in nature.

The new king kills all small cubs one by one. The growing up cubs, especially males, run away from the pride to save their lives and survive, if they are lucky. Lion’s this bizarre behavior is not without a reason. He kills the cubs so that all the females who have lost cubs come into heat soon and the alfa male mates with them siring his own cubs and giving a chance to his own lineage to continue, the lineage of a victor. The new pride now has the same closely related females but their lord is the father of their new cubs. The guardian of the pride changes with every take over.

The Lion is undoubtedly the king of all Animals and lords over the plains of Africa.

The Lion has taken positions of honor at many nation’s symbols [India, my home country], emblems and architecture for the simple reason that Lion represents command, power, royalty, elegance, and beauty. Lions are seen mostly in central and southern Africa but Lions once roamed freely on the plains of southern Europe, Greece, Iran, North Africa, West Asia and India. Lions have become extinct from all those areas now, except a very small pocket in western India where Asiatic Lions still survive. The Lion is considered one of the best designs by god. Humans and horses compete closely. Lion is called the King of the jungles but strangely Lion’s habitat is not jungles, it is hot and sunny plains of central Africa.

Elephants : There are two different types of Elephants, the African Elephants and the Asian Elephants. The African Elephant is slightly bigger in size than the Asian counterpart. The African elephant has larger ears and the shape of their back is slightly concave near the head, while the Asian elephant has comparatively smaller ears and the shape of their backs is convex.

Like Lions, Elephants too are social Animals. But they are not carnivorous like Lions, it means they do not kill to feed themselves. They eat grass, leaves, fruits, roots and plants. Like Lions, an Elephant herd is led by a leader, but hold on, there is a difference, the leader is an extremely experienced mature large FEMALE, called Matriarch. All other members of the herd are closely connected female relatives of the matriarch. Young, growing males are encouraged to leave and fend for themselves. Such solitary males are called bulls and they are on their own or form their own group. Bulls visit Elephant herds only for mating. Big bulls fight with each other, compete to earn the right to mate with the females from the herd. Males leave the herd immediately after the mating is over. Elephant life is very tough. The herd is always traveling on their perennial quest to find new water sources. They move in the same loop year after year and that is where the experience of the matriarch is vital. Many lives depend on her experience to find the right water source for the herd at the right time.

Like Lions, Elephants too dominate in any conflict with other Animals. They are the undisputed lords of the water hole that they approach. Elephants love water and they are at their joyous best every time they visit new water sources, like ponds, lakes, and rivers. Elephants love to take their ritualistic water and mud bath. They are not mere good swimmers, they are fantastic swimmers.

Two things about Elephants have always intrigued the man and till today we have not found the real explanation of those two things. They are Elephant’s memory and Elephant’s approach to the death of a member of their family. It is believed that the Elephants have a great sense of direction mainly because of their strong memory.  It is believed that Elephants grieve the death of their family members more than any other Animal. Atleast it is more palpable than any other Animal. They may visit the site of death again and smell and feel the remains, like bones, for hours, in total silence. You can feel the somber mood in the air and in actions.

Crocs : Crocs are not mammals. Crocs are cold blooded social Animals though. They live on earth and in water. Being cold blooded means they require outside heat, like the sun to maintain their body temperature to a certain degree. Crocs have been using the ‘cheap-non polluting-eco friendly- solar energy’ since pre historic times. Much, much before man discovered “Solar Energy” as a solid alternative source of energy to the conventional sources of energy.

Crocs are inhabiting this earth since the time of dinosaurs. That makes them very special and one of the oldest surviving species on earth. It is an unbelievably huge feat for any breed and I salute them for that.

I wish everyone understood the meaning of ‘survival’. From Human perspective too, survival means a lot. If you are doing what you enjoy doing and you have survived all odds that are against you, it is a better situation than, having all the material comforts around you but you are doing something that you particularly do not enjoy doing. That is succumbing. Survival is one of the most undervalued achievements in this world. Any way moving on…..

There are three major groups of Crocs, the first one is called Nile Crocs, they are river Crocs from Africa. The second group is salt water Crocs, the ones that are there in Australia and third group is from America. We are looking closely at Nile Crocs. Crocs too live in groups lorded over by dominant males. He has the priority right to mate the females, if any outsider male enters the group with the intension to mate with any of the females he will have to first fight the resident male, defeat him and claim the female. If the outside male is defeated, some times he can risk his life, due to those stone crushing bites of the opposite male. Crocs boast most powerful jaws in the Animal kingdom. These jaws exert maximum punch per square inch than any other Animal.

Crocs never chew their food, they simply swallow the food. Then Crocs lay idle for days, after the hunt and some times for a week without hunting and eating, this time is spent in digesting and conserving. Croc’s main food is fish and grazing Animals that come to the water source to drink water. Because Crocs are cold blooded, Crocs do not waste their energy in keeping their bodies warm, they take the heat from the sun. This means they can afford to eat less for energy creation.

Female Crocs lay eggs in a nest formed of grass and foliage on land. The nest is strategically created just away from the water body, so that the mother can keep a watchful eye on the nest, from water. The Croc mother never incubates the eggs but guards the nest aggressively. Anyone coming close to that nest is definitely risking his life. Croc is one Animal whose sex is not determined during the stage of conceiving. It is determined by the inside temperature of the nest. Croc mother takes the young straight towards water after the birth. The young grow around the mother surviving other predators. The young immediately become killing machines practicing on insects and frogs. Croc’s primal instincts are so strong that the young do not need any prodding and training by mother to start killing for survival, they just start doing it. Amazing isn’t it?

Hippos : Hippos are mammals and Croc’s neighbors in the highly competitive killing arenas of African rivers and lakes. Hippos are social mammals, they live in groups. Hippos spend most of their time in the cool waters of a lake or a river during day and graze on land in the nights. Hippos are largely herbivorous. Hippos and Crocs share their territory with each other. The strategic balance is always hanging delicately and can get pushed either way, Crocs and Hippos pose dangerously close to each other, showing their powerful jaws, full of sharp and long teeth, to each other and making space for themselves. Crocs generally show respect to the mightier of the two but a small isolated young Hippo and injured or weak aging adult Hippo is food for Crocs. The fight for survival is strong, bitter and dangerous. Hippo cubs face a very hostile atmosphere in the waters. Male adult Hippos easily kill baby Hippos to cut ‘competition for food’ if the group becomes crowded. Any baby Hippo wandering away from his mother is risking his life.

Here again look at the importance of survival. Survival is very closely associated with life and death. And obviously deserves better respect but alas, the Human society has it’s own considerations. Trivial issues are given importance in Human life.

That is why knowledge is crucial. If I manage to impress one thing on the minds of readers, through our study of Animals, that the knowledge is the only light that will expel darkness from your life the purpose of this book is met. I need not or probably may not or probably am not capable to give that knowledge. But if the message that ‘knowledge is the key’ is delivered, that’s enough, because that is the trigger point for a thinking process.

Zebras and Wildebeests: Again both of them are social Animals. Both the Zebra and Wildebeest can be clubbed together. They are mammals and they are herbivores. Their lives are very similar, they belong to the same geographical region, Africa, and many times they travel together. The Zebra and Wildebeest are always on the move for greener pastures. They move in big herds consisting males, females and the young. Their herds are much larger in numbers than that of Lions and Elephants. They rank quite low on the food chain, Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Crocs all of them hunt Zebras and Wildebeests for food. They breed fast and search security in numbers. When a predator attacks, it is the weaker, or the very young which is at the risk of getting caught. It is fascinating to see how Zebra and Wildebeest young are up on their feet in the quickest possible time after their births and are ready to run along with their mothers. They are always on the run, almost.

Hyenas : Hyenas are one of the most powerful and effective predators from Africa. They live in societies or groups called ‘Clans’ and they hunt as a team. Their community consists of a dominating female, more females, males and cubs. Dominant Hyena females fight with each other to mate with the favored male. The clan is headed by a dominant alfa female. Hyenas share their territories with Lions and there have been many instances of bloody wars between these two communities. Lions face some realistic threat from Hyenas, when Hyenas out number them. Hyena clans have the ability to snatch a kill from mighty Lionesses. This is possible only when Hyenas out number Lionesses. Hyenas keep away from male Lions.

Lion’s hatred for Hyenas is a much more glorified subject in films, Documentaries and Books. They are two very powerful predators who share the same turf and openly fight with one another over FOOD. One single adult Hyena is more powerful than a Leopard or a Cheetah. Hyena’s snatch kills from Leopards and Cheetahs easily. Mother Hyenas brave all odds to protect the cubs, especially from Lions. Lions target Hyena cubs and kill them not for food but to eliminate predators from their territory, more feeding mouths means scarcity of food. Hyena’s sense of smell, stamina, tenacity and team work makes them one of the most effective and deadly predators. They kill, snatch, store, in short they would stop at nothing to feed themselves.

Unfortunately, Hyenas are victims of some sort of hate campaign by Humans. The Hyena is known for the ability to eat carcass flesh and his bone crushing jaws but he is unceremoniously ridiculed as the scavenger of the jungle. Hyenas snatche kills from other predators so they are called a thieves. Hyenas make eerie howling sounds, called ‘laughter’ and Hyena’s physical appearance is not so regal. That is why probably, the Hyena is viewed with disrespect by Humans. All his acts and appearances do not go down well with Human mind. What Humans do not understand is how effective a killer the Hyena is.

We slander the hyena; man is the fiercest and cruelest Animal.
 Henry David Thoreau

Human’s idea of food and the importance of food in daily life is very different from a Hyena’s, or any predator’s idea of food, who has survived in the wild. For a Hyena, food means a lot, infact food is the most important thing in life after reproduction. Without food Hyena would face starvation and death. For Humans food comes easily, sometimes with not much struggle, Humans are more concerned about wealth, fame, stature, material pleasures, etc. Food figures much low on our priority list. These could be the reasons for a low position of Hyena status in Human mind. What about the relentless massacres of Hyena cubs by Lions? Lions generally do not eat them, they just kill them. Would Humans call this brutal? You know, that’s the point, we can not apply Human logic to actions taken by Animals in the wild. Why Humans side with Lions against Hyenas? is another vast subject of study.

Wild Buffalos : Another social Animal from Africa and Asia. Wild Buffalos move in herds comprising bulls, cows and calves. They are herbivorous, that means they do not kill to feed themselves. They graze on grass lands and drink water at water holes. They are at a much higher position in the food chain than Zebras and Wildebeests because wild Buffalos are very powerful and it is never easy for Lions and Hyenas, to bring a Buffalo down. Lions and Hyenas are two Animals who sometimes can do it because they hunt as a team. Other predators, like Leopards, Cheetahs can only think of attacking an injured, aging and isolated Buffalo. Whenever there is an attack by a predator on the herd, the strong Buffalos form a protective wall and thwart any attempt by the predators. Predators usually identify a very young, or injured, tired and aging Buffalo as the target. And then try to isolate that individual away from the herd by creating confusion in the herd. That is the only way, they can increase their chances of a successful kill. There have been many instances when the Buffalos have mauled and killed Lions and Hyenas in such hunts. That is why a Buffalo is never an easy meal for the biggest of the predators like Lions and Hyenas. This shows that there is so much power in unity and numbers. United, the Buffalos can thwart challenges of big predators. Strangely, whenever I hear or read the word “formidable” I get the picture of a strong fully grown wild Buffalo.

Chimpanzees or Chimps : Chimps are our closest relatives in the Animal kingdom. A Chimp is a social Animal like Humans. They live in groups consisting of females, kids and few young and submissive males lorded over by an alfa male. Young males are tolerated in the group only if they show their complete submission and support to the alfa male. Most dominant Chimp male is not necessarily the largest but definitely the cleverest. He is the one who has maximum allies in the group. He is a bit of a politician [Didn’t I tell you they were related to us?]  The alfa male has the first right to mate and first right on the food. There are rebels and a lot of cheating takes place behind alfa male’s back. [Another proof, they are closely related to us, just kidding.] Alfa males face threat to his throne by other adult males regularly. To be an alfa male is all hard work and lots of fun too. The throne comes with an expiry date and it is only a matter of time before the alfa male is replaced by a new powerful male, who is in his prime.

Unlike Lion prides, Chimps tolerate an aging, humiliated, old alfa male in the group. An experienced hand is always a help, in collective hunts. The dethroned alfa male can secure his survival during old age by submitting himself to the new king. Chimps kill to eat and consume fruits and vegetables too, that increases their survival options in the wild. That means Chimps are both carnivorous and herbivorous. Chimps have a darker side too, [ Oops, This is again an attempt to apply Human logic to Animal behaviors in the wild. But, I feel it is quite unstoppable and also one of the reasons why Animal lives have influenced us for so many years. We connect to their behavior and analyze it using Human brain!!!]

There have been reported instances of Animal cannibalism in Chimp groups. It is never a regular occurrence but generally viewed as attempts by dominant males to display superiority and scare females and the young. Chimps plan their hunts smartly and corner the kill, usually a small monkey, using team work. The kill is shared by the group.  Strangely, like Humans, sycophancy and favoritism is a part of Chimp society. Members close to the leader are given favored treatment and take the better part of the kill. Females and kids are given last chance in claiming the food. Females and kids are also targets for seemingly needless physical abuse from the stronger, dominant males. Well, well, well does that all sound a little familiar?

There are a few more social Animals and their influence on mankind is definite but their lives are similar to some Animals we have studied here, so we need not study them and make repetitions. However, their mention is very important.

Wolves from cold climates and the study of their social behavior in their pack is a fascinating subject. Man’s best friend the Dog is a much evolved and domesticated version of the wolf. Wolf’s influence on mankind is undeniable. A Wolf family is like an urban middle class family, comprising an alfa male, an alfa female and cubs.

Wild Dogs of Africa live in a society of their own. They hunt as a team and their basic survival depends on the success of the team.

Deers too live in groups, they rank pretty low in the food chain and they are prey for many predators like Lions, Tigers, Hyenas, Leopards, Crocs and Wolves. It is unimaginable to think of the future of these predators without the Deer/Gazelle.

Gorrillas and Baboons are Chimp’s cousins and have similar social structures. They have their own peculiarities though.

Now some solitary Animals.

Tigers, Cheetahs and Leopards : They are all clubbed together because they are solitary cats. Tigers are seen in Asia [mostly India] and Siberia. Leopards and Cheetahs are primarily from Africa but Leopards are seen in Asia too. Males and females live separately hunting and feeding. Males visit females only for the mating and soon they are on their own. Females raise the cubs till they are semi adult and after that they are encouraged to leave and fend for themselves.

Tigers are from Jungles, while Cheetahs are from grass lands, Leopards inhabit in both jungle and plains. All these cats have their own special abilities. The Cheetah is the fastest Animal in the world. A Leopard can climb trees and haul the kill up above, safer from larger predators that snatch his kill. The Tiger, probably is the only cat that loves water. Tigers are also known for the brutal power they possess. A Tiger can kill and drag a very large kill, to keep it in a safe camouflaged area. Other cousins like Puma, Jaguar are solitary too and have similar characteristics.

Polar Bears have brutal strength. They are gigantic and powerful. Just to give you an example, if a Polar bear and a Lion ever fight, it is likely that the Polar Bear will win. God Forbid, and we will never get to see this kind of fight. Their habitats are different, nature will never put them in proximity. Each life is precious. This is just to give you an example of a Polar Bear’s strength.

Some domesticated Animals.

‘Dog is man’s best friend’-for a reason of course. Dogs are very loyal to their masters. Dogs and Domesticated cats have reached a level in their evolution where they have become members of Human families.

Horses are known for their superb body form, strength and stamina. Horses are one of the most elegant looking mammals, like Lions.

Pandas and Rabbits have stayed in very close proximity with Humanity and attract immense attention from us for their cuddly, fury, chubby looks.

Another assorted lot, call them Animals, serpents, insects, fish…..for me they are Animals.

Snakes like King Cobra, African Mamba and a few other snakes are so aggressive, agile and graceful that it is a treat to watch them in the wild. They attack ferociously and with great speed. They are known for their deadly poisonous bites.

An Ant is a diligent insect. They work all their lives and fulfill their duties towards their community. They are a complete selfless lot. An average ant’s loyalty towards the queen ant is the best example of loyalty which has no parallel in Humans or in the Animal world. I think we all have learnt a bit about respecting the queen from them!

Sharks are graceful and brutal hunters. If Lions are called the Kings of Jungle, Sharks are the Kings of sea.

An Eagle is a picture of beauty, power and grace. Eagles are superlative hunters.

Surprisingly Lions, Horses and Eagles have been a source of inspiration for many artists all over the world.  The artists have used their features in their designs time and again.

I like pigs.  Dogs look up to us.  Cats look down on us.  Pigs treat us as equals. 

Winston Churchill