By William Kerslake, First Year Politics and International Relations
A new study by the University of Bristol has revealed that giraffes like to dine with friends, a trait not disimilar from humans.
Dr Zoe Muller, a UoB PHD graduate, spent two years observing the behaviour of giraffes in Kenya. Using, photo-identification technology she was able to recognise bonds between individual giraffes, particularly those which revolved around feeding.
The study found that giraffes would often seek out specific partners to forage for food, remaining with this partner when eating. This behaviour was deemed beneficial, as companions within a herd ‘may be more reliable at alarming you if a predator is around’.
Some of the giraffes, with the same dietary preferences were also found to eat together, leading to friendship between the animals, an activity very similar to that of humans.
Giraffes apparently prefer to eat meals with their friends.
— Lucy Mayer (@littlemissnews) November 23, 2018
Researchers at Bristol Uni followed the animals in Kenya for two years.
They found that they couple up when searching for food and eating, partly to protect themselves against predators.🦒🦒
These findings provide new information about the social preferences of giraffes, also giving an insight into evolutionary mechanisms which have influenced current social groups.
Giraffes have recently been reclassified as ‘endangered’ and vulnerable to extinction. The research, funded by zoos across the globe, is thought to be a significant development for future giraffe conservation.
Featured Image: Pixabay / Pexels
Do you know of any other animals with 'human' traits? Let us know!
