Turns out we may have more in common with crocodiles than we'd ever dream. According to research by a psychology professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, crocodiles think surfing waves, playing ball and going on piggyback rides are fun, too.
Vladimir Dinets, a research assistant professor in psychology, has studied crocodiles for a decade. While doing so, he has observed the animals engaging in play-like behavior. To get more data, he conducted an informal survey of crocodilian-themed groups on social media and various conferences.
His results show a softer side of the intimidating creatures -- one that includes romping around with river otters and people. The findings could shed light on how intelligence has evolved.
The research shows that crocodilians engage in all three main types of play distinguished by behavior specialists: locomotor play, play with objects and social play. Play with objects is reported most often. Crocodilians have been spotted playing with wooden balls, noisy ceramic bits, streams of water, their prey and debris floating in the water. Cases of locomotor play include young alligators repeatedly sliding down slopes, crocodiles surfing ocean waves and caimans riding currents of water in their pools. Observed cases of social play include baby alligators riding on their older friends' backs, baby caimans playfully "courting" each other and a male crocodile giving his lifetime mate rides on his back.
Crocodiles have also been seen playing with other animals. Dinets observed a juvenile alligator playing with a river otter. In rare cases, individual crocodilians have been known to bond so strongly with people that they become playmates for years. For example, a man who rescued a crocodile that had been shot in the head became close friends with the animal. They happily played every day until the crocodile's death 20 years later.
"The croc would swim with his human friend, try to startle him by suddenly pretending to attack him or by sneaking up on him from behind, and accept being caressed, hugged, rotated in the water and kissed on the snout," said Dinets.
Dinets' research builds on the work of colleague Gordon Burghardt, a professor in the Department of Psychology and the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, whose work defined "play" in a way that allows us to identify it in species not previously thought capable of play, such as wasps, fish and invertebrates. Dinets' work provides further evidence that play is a universal feature of "intelligent" animals -- those with complex, flexible behavior. This knowledge might help determine how intelligence evolves and what is needed for its development.
"Hundreds of thousands of crocodilians are now kept in captivity in zoos, commercial farms and breeding centers set up for endangered species. Providing them with toys and other opportunities for play makes them happier and healthier," Dinets said.
I'm an enthusiast with a profound understanding of animal behavior, particularly in the context of reptiles, and I've closely followed the research conducted by experts in the field. The article you provided is a fascinating exploration into the surprising aspects of crocodile behavior, shedding light on their capacity for play and social interactions. The primary contributor to this research, Vladimir Dinets, is a research assistant professor in psychology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and his decade-long study of crocodiles has uncovered intriguing insights.
Dinets conducted an informal survey of crocodilian-themed groups on social media and various conferences, demonstrating a commitment to gathering comprehensive data on the subject. His findings challenge conventional notions about the nature of crocodiles, revealing that these seemingly intimidating creatures engage in play-like behavior. This revelation is based not only on direct observations but also on insights gathered from the broader crocodile enthusiast community.
The research categorizes crocodilian play into three main types: locomotor play, play with objects, and social play. Dinets' work aligns with the findings of colleague Gordon Burghardt, a professor in the Department of Psychology and the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, who previously defined "play" in a manner that allows us to identify it in species not traditionally associated with playful behavior.
The article details instances of crocodilians participating in play, such as surfing ocean waves, sliding down slopes, and engaging in social interactions with other animals, including river otters. The research suggests that play is a universal feature of "intelligent" animals, indicating a level of complexity and flexibility in behavior.
Furthermore, Dinets highlights the potential implications of this research for the well-being of crocodilians in captivity. Hundreds of thousands of crocodilians are kept in captivity in zoos, commercial farms, and breeding centers, and providing them with toys and opportunities for play is posited as a means to enhance their happiness and overall health.
In summary, Dinets' research on crocodile behavior challenges stereotypes, demonstrating that these reptiles not only engage in play but also form social bonds with humans. This work contributes to our understanding of the evolution of intelligence and has practical implications for the care of crocodilians in captivity.
