Lek Zone

As in almost everything, if not everything, in life there are structures that govern behaviour, and even those who decide to leave those rigid structures that they know as soon as they take their first breath follow other types of structures... Today we are going to learn a little more about the Lek zones.
It is a mating strategy that is a product of evolutionary biology, its aim is to find the most suitable partner in order to exchange genetic material. Lek zone in general terms is defined as the place or zone where the males carry out mating courtships (exhibition rituals or also called "nuptial stops"), in these zones apart from demonstrating their characteristics and qualities the males can lose their lives fighting each other.

Etymologically this word (lek) comes from the Swedish lek, which means "playful, pleasurable or unregulated activities", but could also be translated as "arena" or "fighting place". a toponymic place where a group of males will compete to mate with females. abc science (2021)

Courtship goes something like this:
The females do the choosing.
The most conspicuous and genetically fit males are placed in the centre of the lek because this is the area most visible to the females, while the lower-grade males will be around the lek, so the females will see where the males are positioned and try to mate with the ones in the centre.

This amazing synchrony occurs at the end of winter, bringing together a considerable number of males and females, which is a very wise strategy as it is an ideal scenario that maximises the possibility of reproductive success.

A curious aspect of this strategic ritual is that males often eat insects that are potentially poisonous to themselves in order to deworm themselves and become visually healthier, thus more attractive. Referred to by scientists as self-medication. Leks are typical of birds, but are also present in mammals, fish, amphibians and insects.