Past Programs
Animal Behaviour - 2008
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001
Primate communication
01/11/2008
Gillian Sebestyen-Forrester has developed a novel method of recording, coding and analysing behaviour in gorillas as they interact with their social partners and the environment. She has observed multidimensional behaviour as in humans; that is, there are many components making up their communication and behaviour, consisting of a range of signals.
Chimps consol each other after fighting
20/09/2008
Orlaith Fraser has studied post-conflict behaviour in chimpanzees, looking at how friendly interactions after a conflict can mitigate the costs of aggression. Hugging and embracing by chimps after fighting reduces their stress levels and calms them down. In chimps, this is indicated by the degree of scratching and grooming. Her research was conducted at Chester Zoo. The behaviour also occurs in the wild.
Hot and cold echidnas
26/01/2008
Research into the habits of Australia's cute and spikey little egg-laying mammal, the echidna, has produced some surprising evidence that hot males mate with cold females before they have come out of hibernation. This is just one behaviour for which there is no clear explanation. Another is the echidna's use of latrines.
