UNDERSTANDING ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR Iain Ferguson Watching the wildlife from your window, have you ever wondered why the animals do what they do? The answers to some of these great mysteries of nature can be found in a superb book by Banavie-based author Rory Putman. His book, ‘Understanding Animal Behaviour’ is written from knowledge and experience gained over several decades of observing animals in their natural environment across the world, combined with his university teaching career as Meritus Professor of Behavioural and Environmental Biology and Professorship in Wildlife Welfare. A highly-detailed description of the natural triggers which cause a wide range of species to undertake various actions, the research, investigation and the explanations of how the results were achieved is often as fascinating as the outcomes.
From the opening chapter which defines behaviour as ‘an animal’s perception and response to its environment’, the book moves on to how this behaviour occurs and can be modified through examples ranging from insects and birds to mammals. This is done by observation in nature and through controlled situations, where responses to set tasks are tracked and noted. Looking at nest building by birds, their behaviour is broken down into the various actions required in building he ‘perfect’ nest by undertaking a set method of construction which is repeated in exactly the same order multiple times to achieve the desired result. The behaviour of each animal is covered in
depth, but to highlight some in just a few words: when selecting a stag for mating, females consider more than the size of the antlers but also the pitch and intensity of his roar. Antlers show he has had a sufficient diet to provide ‘spare’ energy to grow them and the timbre of his roar and that he has a deep chest and strong body. Take a look at our regular garden visitor The Great Tit. Research has shown that the width of the central black stripe down the chest is related to rank and status with the male population, making them a more attractive choice for females. If you enjoy science, this book gives more than an insight into animal behaviour, but the processes and methodology by which the characteristics of specific species were observed, identified and categorised. A really interesting read. Copies are available on Amazon or from the publisher www. whittlespublishing. com/Understanding_ Animal_Behaviour
LOCHABER LIFE
Lochaber Life December 2021.indd 13
|
13
10/11/2021 11:22:10
