Three love stories

The Tragic Love Lives of Male Animals

The Jakana Bird's Unfair Mating System

• Female jakana birds do not build nests; they seek out males who have already constructed one.

• If the male's nest is unsatisfactory, the female will destroy it, forcing him to rebuild.

• After laying her eggs, the female leaves without participating in hatching or raising the chicks.

• The male is left to care for the offspring alone, and due to females mating with multiple males, he may not even be the biological father of half the chicks.

The Antacinus Mouse's Chaotic Mating Ritual

• Adult male antacinus mice engage in extreme mating behavior that can last up to 14 hours per session.

• This frantic activity continues for three weeks without eating or sleeping, leading to severe physical consequences.

• Their bodies are overwhelmed by cortisol during this period, which keeps them alert but also weakens their immune systems.

• As a result of this stress and exhaustion, these mice often go blind, lose fur, and ultimately die.