Flehmen!

Flehmen is a behavior observed in many mammal species particularly ungulates and carnivores. It involves the curling of the upper lip and a raising of the head, to expose the vomeronasal organ (or Jacobson’s organ), located within the nasal cavity.

This behavior is exhibited (mostly by males) when animals encounter interesting scents, especially pheromones associated with potential reproductive activities.

The Cape Buffalo bull in this pictures was checking the air for signs of any of the females in his herd requiring his services.

In humans this organ exists but is ‘out of use’. And that is not a bad thing. Otherwise young men would constantly walk around with a raised head and curled upper lips. 😊

Technical data: Canon 1D Mark IV with EF lens f3.5-5.6/28-300mm | ISO 1600 | 1/1000sec | f5.6 | ev-.5 | 270mm | WB 6500K | AV Mode | Crop to 60% of original image

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