This Animal “Flicks” Feces to Attract a Mate in an Unusual Display of Affection

The animal world is full of fascinating (and, let’s face it, bizarre) mating rituals. You will be shocked at the lengths various species will go to procreate. We will explore some seriously odd behavior from several animal groups. 

What works to keep the population going? Maybe a dance? Perhaps even some violence? How about the fact that urine is involved for more than one species? Anything goes for reproduction! Let’s look at some of the most unusual mating rituals.

Hooded Seals

First up are the hooded seals. Found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, hooded seals are known for their distinctive mating displays. According to NOAA Fisheries, adult males possess a unique nasal cavity, or “hood,” which they can inflate into a bright red balloon-like structure. They are also known as bladder-nose seals.

During their mating season, the males enact this impressive display to attract females and assert dominance over rival males. This stand-off is particularly dramatic, and hooded seal males hope it enhances their chances of mating.

North American Porcupines

Be warned that the North American porcupine has a pretty unique and admittedly gross (if only by human standards) mating ritual. It includes a urine-splashing as a courtship gesture. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, males compete for the opportunity to mate by using their quills and teeth in displays of strength. They also splash females in urine. If she’s not interested in the male, she shakes off the urine. However, if she is receptive, she will remain nearby. This unusual behavior adds an interesting layer to the porcupine mating process, illustrating how even the most unexpected actions can affect reproductive success.

Giraffes

Giraffes have a particularly unusual mating ritual, and it incorporates the flehmen response. Male giraffes nudge females and sniff their genitalia, waiting for the female to urinate. According to Live Science once she does, the male exhibits the flehmen response behavior, curling back his lip and inhaling the scent, which helps him assess the female’s reproductive status. While this ritual may seem odd, it is crucial for successful mating.

Hippopotamus

The hippopotamus relies on a different bodily process in its mating ritual. According to St. Lucia Hippo Boat Trips, during peak mating season, male hippos engage in a rather unique behavior where they urinate and defecate at the same time. This simultaneous action isn’t merely a biological necessity, it is a strategic part of their courtship.

The males use their tails to flick the feces and urine toward the female they wish to attract. This behavior serves as a signal of interest, essentially marking their territory and advertising their presence to potential mates. Interestingly enough, if a female hippo is receptive to the male’s advances, she may reciprocate by engaging in similar behaviors, spreading her own feces around.

Brown Hares

We have all heard the idiom “breeding like rabbits” used to describe someone with a large family or who reproduces rapidly. Well, for brown hares, their breeding season has another layer. According to Discover Wildlife from BBC Wildlife Magazine, during the breeding season, brown hares get into heated boxing matches. As males pursue females, the female shows the male she is uninterested by rearing up on her hind legs and using her front paws to fend off the advances. This ritual can escalate into a physical tussle, showcasing both the males’ determination and the females’ autonomy in the mating selection. The boxing behavior demonstrates fitness and helps establish social hierarchies among males.

Prairie Voles

Prairie voles are small rodents native to North American grasslands. They are among the few mammals known for their monogamous relationships. The Nature Conservancy blog reports that prairie voles have affectionate behaviors, including something called “vole hugs,” during stressful times. Scientific American explores the brain chemistry of bonded voles and how their bond grows over time. This unique aspect of their mating behavior sheds light on the complexities of love and commitment in the animal kingdom.

Komodo Dragons

Komodo dragons live in the lush tropical forests of Indonesia. Males find females by following scent trails left in their feces. As reported in National Geographic, once a male finds a female, he often engages in wrestling matches to establish dominance and secure mating rights. However, if there aren’t any males around, then females can also reproduce asexually. It is a phenomenon known as parthenogenesis. The ability to reproduce on their own adds a layer of complexity to their reproductive strategies. This dual approach to reproduction highlights the adaptability of these creatures.

Praying Mantises

When discussing unusual mating rituals, you have to talk about praying mantises. They are primarily recognized for their infamous sexual cannibalism, undeniably a strange approach. As reported in PBS News, even after losing their heads, an occurrence that can happen during or after copulation, male praying mantises can continue to mate.

Conclusion

Mating in the animal world is complex. Each example shows the species’ various strategies for survival and reproduction, and each serves as a testament to the diversity of life, showcasing the remarkable adaptations that have evolved in the animal kingdom. From the dramatic displays of hooded seals to the affectionate bonds of prairie voles, these behaviors offer a captivating glimpse into the intricate world of mating and courtship in nature.