6 Animals that Mate for Life
“…Gibbons
Gibbons
are the only species closely related to humans who form long-term monogamous
pair bonds. Mated gibbons often duet, singing complex songs to literally shout
their love from the tree tops – or, more accurately, to defend their territory
from any other gibbons looking for a home…
Sandhill Cranes
…Sandhill
cranes seek out a mate before their annual migration to their breeding grounds
& form a pair bond by unison calling. When they arrive at the breeding
grounds, sandhill cranes perform elaborate dances as part of their mating
ritual. Once their mate is suitably impressed by their sweet dance moves, the
sandhill cranes begin to nest & form their lifetime of bliss. These pair
bonds last until one of the cranes dies – a true mating for life scenario. 
Prairie Voles
Prairie
voles are unique amongst their vole contemporaries for their tendency to mate
for life. Studies have found that prairie vole brains respond differently to
the chemicals released during social bonding & mating than other voles.
This means that the bonds they form are so strong that male prairie voles often
resist during vole ‘temptation scenarios’, in which an unfamiliar female is
introduced. Rather than sidling up to the hot new vole in town, male prairie
voles spend their days with their mated partner, snuggling & sharing
responsibility for raising the family…
Termites
Unlike
ants, where the queen doesn’t limit herself to just one mate, termites form a
lifelong pair bond…Termites will land on a log, find their termite soulmate,
& begin building their life together within a few hours of meeting…
Barn Owls
Barn
owls are notable for many things – their eerie call, their ability to locate
prey based on sound alone, & their subsequent ability to swallow prey
whole…Not only do they mate for life, but male barn owls pull out all the stops
to impress their lady loves. During courtship, male barn owls will go out of
their way to hunt more in order to present their mate with extra food…
Beavers
Beavers
are another of the rare mammal species who mate for life. Beavers live in
colonies which are made by mated beaver pairs & used to raise their
children. After about 2 years, beaver kits move out of Mom & Dad’s dam to find
their own beaver spouse & have up to 20 years of marital bliss…”
Courtney
Hyde
blog.nwf.org
Feb.
10/2015
Cute Critter Pic
Christmas Chuckle
Merry Christmas!
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