How male elephants woo female elephants.

The researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University (US) and the University of Auckland (NewZealand) have unveiled how male elephants woo females: very specific pheromones.

A specific molecular mixture in male-emitted pheromones has been detected which attracts female elephants' interest during musth - an annual period of sexual activity and increased aggression.

Not only does the exact chemical blend of a pheromone emitted by older male elephants in musth influence female elephants` interest in mating, but also determines how other nearby elephants behave.

This study reveals the precision and specificity of inter-animal signaling possible,' said co-author L.E.L. Rasmussen, a research professor of environmental and biomolecular systems at OHSU.

Tag : chemistry, science, wildlife.