Male antelopes trick females to boost their chances of mating

Washington, May 25 (ANI): Male topi antelopes deceive their female counterparts in order to increase their chances of mating, a new research has found.

The study of topi antelopes in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve Park, conducted by scientists at the University of Liverpool, found that male antelopes snort and look intently ahead if an ovulating female begins to stray from their territory.

This type of behaviour suggests to the female that there is predator danger ahead. Typical predators of the topi include lions, cheetahs, leopards and humans.

When scientists examined the behaviour closely they discovered that the male antelope's snort and intent look were a false call made to keep the female in his vicinity and there was no danger nearby.

Rather than risk any danger of a predator the female stays within the male antelope's territory, which increases his chances of mating with her.

This type of intentional deception of a sexual partner has not been documented before in animals. Previous studies have shown that animals do deceive each other but mainly in hostile situations or to protect themselves. (ANI)