Animals and Emotions: Macaque Mimicry and Cannibalistic Female Frogs

Researchers from the University of Newcastle have observed the first case of cannibalism in Australian green and golden bell frogs. According to experts, when a female tree frog is not satisfied with a male’s love song, she may decide to eat him. The female of this species is a particularly dangerous predator for the male because her sense of hearing is perfectly tuned to the male’s mating calls. Based on the volume of his calls, she can tell whether the male is better suited for mating or eating.

Analysing the lives of 66 rhesus macaques, scientists from Nottingham Trent University found that social bonds were stronger and more even in groups where the dominant male was more expressive. Monkeys with expressive facial expressions were better leaders and had a more tolerant leadership style, and the variety of facial expressions helped them communicate better. In this way, they made their intentions clear and reduced uncertainty in the group. The expressions included lip smacking, nose wrinkling, jaw dropping, eyebrow raising, and ear flattening.

How do mammals decide where to live? Using data from more than 6,500 camera traps in the United States, researchers at North Carolina State University mapped the populations of 25 animal species. They determined that climate, not human activity, is the main factor in deciding where animals choose to live. The presence of large population centres and agriculture also significantly affects animals’ choices of where to live.