While many social species suffer when separated from their conspecifics, there are animals perfectly adapted to live in solitude. For these species, independence is as effective as close social connections.
Although isolation can generate stress in some, others thrive in solitude, showing that there are multiple successful strategies in nature.
Solitary life is not an isolated case, even among highly social mammals: it is estimated that 22% of the investigated species are mostly solitary.
Both males and females usually spend their time searching for food and resting individually.
### Examples of adaptation to a solitary life
Blind moles that inhabit regions of southern Europe and the Middle East represent an extreme case of isolation. These animals show signs of severe stress when near others, even if there are physical barriers between them.
Some moles can even die due to the level of anxiety they experience when in proximity to other individuals. After leaving the parental tunnel, they live their adult life completely alone.
On the other hand, some solitary species seek companionship under specific circumstances. Bush Karoo rats, for example, occasionally cooperate with their relatives to share resources or build shelters during periods of high demand. This behavior highlights that even solitary animals can adapt and collaborate if necessary.
A surprising example is found in octopuses. Although they were long considered radically solitary creatures, recent research has discovered that, under certain conditions, they form communities.
In Jervis Bay, Australia, up to 16 dark octopuses have established a sort of colony, dubbed “Octopus City.” Here, the animals develop social behaviors, including competitions between males and expulsion of rivals.
### Lessons from the solitary animals of the animal kingdom
Despite their independence, many solitary animals are not completely antisocial. For example, red-footed tortoises, although they usually search for food individually, observe and learn feeding strategies by watching their peers. This type of social learning, once thought to be exclusive to gregarious animals, demonstrates the complexity of solitary behavior.
The study of these species also has implications for humans. Researchers analyze how isolation affects the brain of naked mole rats, which could help understand the effects of social isolation on people.
Likewise, the “social solitaries” in the animal world teach us that independent life can be as valuable and effective as life in a community.
### 10 species that prefer a solitary life
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has identified a list of animals that stand out for their independent lifestyle. These creatures have developed unique strategies to survive and thrive in solitude, showing that isolation is as effective a tactic as communal living.
– **Sea turtles:** Sea turtles travel long distances in search of food. Although they briefly interact during mating or nesting, these interactions are fleeting. Even hatchlings embark on their own journey, distancing themselves from the group.
– **Platypuses:** Native to eastern Australia and the island of Tasmania, platypuses spend their days searching for food, such as crustaceans and plants, alone. They only seek company of their species for reproduction.
– **Blue whales:** The majestic blue whales travel the vast oceans in isolation. Their peculiar communication system, through powerful sounds, allows them to connect with others at long distances, especially during breeding seasons.
– **Giant pandas:** Giant pandas prefer solitude. Their keen sense of smell helps them detect others of their kind to avoid unwanted encounters or to find a mate during the breeding season.
– **Snow leopards:** Elusive and silent, these felines hunt independently and are more active during hours when other animals rest.
– **Jaguars:** Reserved by nature, jaguars only interact with others of their kind during mating. During this period, they can copulate up to 100 times a day.
– **Orangutans:** Orangutans in Indonesia and Malaysia spend most of their time in the treetops, where they search for food and avoid social contact. However, they depend on their mothers during the first months of life.
– **Polar bears:** This magnificent Arctic predator maintains a completely solitary lifestyle, only gathering with other bears during mating, which lasts only a week.
*Source: BBC News Mundo*
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