Stock photo of a Large Saltwater Crocodile.Photo:Getty
Getty
A new study discovered an unexpected friendship between crocodiles and dogs.
“Though crocodiles are generally stereotyped as lethargic and lacking social interactions except for territoriality, parental care, and prey ambush, they demonstrate discrete behavioral repertoire in a variety of situations suggestive of refined cognition,” scientists explain in the report’sabstract.
Although the scientists are not sure why the crocodiles chose to assist the pup instead of attacking, they add that the crocodiles “were actually touching the dog with their snout and nudging it to move further for a safe ascent on the bank and eventually escape.”
The study explains that the case shows a “sentient behavior of the Mugger resulting in cross-species ‘emotional empathy.' " The scientists add that the behavior is one that is not “very extensively investigated” and is one that deserves recognition.
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“Crocodilians (Crocodiles, Alligators, Caimans, and Gharials) are arguably the most cognitively complex living non-avian reptiles,” they wrote. “They display a rich behavioral repertoire in a variety of contexts; such as hunting, spatial orientation, and social interactions, including communication in several modalities.”
Marsh crocodiles are found throughout India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Nepal, according to theWildlife Institute of India. An adult male can reach up to 4.5 meters (18 feet) in length and weigh 450 kg (1000 pounds), the institute notes.
source: people.com
