Why Living Alone Helps Certain Mammals Survive in the Wild

When people think of mammals, they often picture wolves hunting in packs, elephants travelling in herds or monkeys living in large social groups. While many mammals depend on close social bonds, others spend almost their entire lives alone. For these solitary animals, avoiding company is not a sign of weakness or loneliness. Instead, it is a highly successful survival strategy shaped by millions of years of evolution. From elusive snow leopards and elusive wolverines to powerful tigers and secretive orangutans, solitary mammals have developed unique behaviours that allow them to find food, defend territory and raise their young without relying on a group.