Ungewöhnliches Paar: Forscher rätseln über Sex zwischen Bulle und Esel
Homosexualität ist im Tierreich nichts Ungewöhnliches. Doch nun entdeckte ein Team aus Italien eine artübergreifende Beziehung zwischen dem Bullen Achille und dem Esel Patroclo.
In a surprising twist, researchers led by the University of Pisa have observed what they describe as an unusual sexual relationship between a bull named Achille and a male donkey named Patroclo. Typically, same-sex sexual behavior is common in the animal kingdom, but the relationship between Achille and Patroclo is deemed unusual by the research team.
The two animals, despite having the option to choose partners of their own species or opposite sex, continuously chose each other. This was noted by the team while conducting a different field study, sparking their curiosity. They observed 51 such interactions within 14 days. Co-author Elisabetta Palagi noted, "What really captured our attention was that these interactions were embedded in a very selective and persistent social relationship between the two."
Achille and Patroclo were observed in March 2026 on a plateau in Ethiopia, belonging to different owners and only sharing the pasture during the observation period. The team concluded that the unusual sexual behavior was part of a social relationship between Achille and Patroclo. They suggest this behavior could provide insights into understanding sexual behavior as a social mechanism, beyond its role in reproduction.
Further research is needed to understand the exact function of this behavior, which may involve maintaining social bonds and/or reducing tensions.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
