BODY LANGUAGE AS A TOOL TO COMMUNICATE

[peter]

a - Introduction 

Those visiting this forum for the first time most probably start at the top of the home page. When they do, chances are they'll read wild animals will be respected and heard over here. Although it's one of the aims those who started the forum, a closer look will reveal there's no communication or body language thread. The time to start one has arrived, that is.  

b - Thread purpose 

Animals communicate in a different way than we do. Or do they?  

When humans communicate to each other, they talk. At least, that's what most of us think. Research, however, suggests vital information between humans is transmitted in another way. I'm not saying we, like animals, use body language to communicate to other humans, but then maybe we are. Much more than we think so. The intention of this thread is to get to information on the way animals communicate and interact.  

c - How to start     

Captive animals are close to us. Those who know them wrote about their experiences. Assuming they, communicationwise, are no different from their wild relatives, I get to three good reasons to start this thread with captive animals.  

d - Big cats 

Those interested in big cats can post as well, as long as they remember this thread isn't about big cats only. It's about all animals and the way they use body language to communicate and interact. Members exclusively interested in big cats and big cat trainers, if interested in details, can continue in the trainer and circus thread. 

e - Circuses

Talking about circuses. Most of you no doubt know circuses are not allowed to use exotic animals like big cats anymore. This means it's very likely knowledge will be lost. Not what we want. If you find good information, feel free to post it.

f - Pets

Anything goes, as long as it results in good information. 

g - To conclude

At some stage, we'll have to get to conclusions. Remember there's a difference between observations at the level of individuals and observations at the level of, for instance, species. We're interested in both, but in the end it's about more insight into the world of animals. 

Good luck, Peter. Reply