Play Behavior in Crocodilians
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2015 |
Authors: |
V. Dinets |
Publication/Journal: |
Animal Behavior and Cognition |
Keywords: |
alligator, behavior, caiman, crocodile, object, play, sociality |
Abstract:
Play behavior in crocodilians is not uncommon, but it remains virtually undescribed in scientific literature. I present the first overview of play behavior of three types (locomotor play, object play and social play) in crocodilians based on original observations, published reports and anecdotal evidence. Object play is the type most often reported; social play can include interactions with conspecifics and mammals. Apparently, play behavior is not particularly rare in crocodilians, but is underreported due to the difficulties of observing it and interpreting the observations.