University of Exeter Research Highlights How Animal Culture and Social Learning Can Transform Conservation Strategies

University of Exeter Research Highlights How Animal Culture and Social Learning Can Transform Conservation Strategies

(IN BRIEF) A new research publication underscores the importance of social learning and animal culture in conservation, revealing how a wide range of species, from whales to insects, learn and pass on behaviors such as tool use and foraging. This shift in understanding challenges traditional views that culture is exclusive to humans and offers new strategies for protecting wildlife. The findings, published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, emphasize the potential of integrating cultural knowledge into conservation practices. Notable initiatives, including efforts to conserve sperm whale clans and chimpanzee cultural diversity, are highlighted, showing how these cultural elements can enhance conservation efforts.

(PRESS RELEASE) EXETER, 1-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — New research highlights the importance of social learning and cultural traditions in animals, potentially revolutionizing conservation efforts. A groundbreaking study, featuring contributions from scientists at the University of Exeter, has shown that a wide variety of animal species, from mammals to insects, learn and pass on behaviors such as tool use, foraging practices, and social customs, traditionally believed to be uniquely human traits.

The findings challenge long-held beliefs about culture being exclusive to humans and offer fresh insights into how animals can pass down knowledge within populations. Major conservation agencies now recognize the value of these discoveries in shaping future conservation strategies, especially as species face ever-growing threats to their survival. This important issue is highlighted in a theme edition of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, the first comprehensive publication dedicated to the science of animal culture and its role in conservation.

Dr. Philippa Brakes, a leading scientist at the University of Exeter’s Centre for Ecology and Conservation and editor of the publication, emphasized the significance of these findings for conservation. She noted, “As the clock ticks down for many species, understanding animal culture presents a complex challenge but offers valuable insights. By understanding how information is shared within animal populations, we can detect early warning signs that will help inform conservation strategies.”

Governments and conservation bodies are increasingly recognizing the role of animal culture in protecting endangered species. One notable initiative is the UN Environment Programme’s Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, which now includes ‘Concerted Actions’ to support species based on their cultural knowledge. For instance, researchers have identified distinct cultural clans of sperm whales in the eastern tropical Pacific, each with its own vocal dialect and foraging traditions, both of which need to be integrated into conservation management plans.

Similarly, a concerted action is underway to preserve chimpanzee cultural diversity across 19 African nations, ensuring the species’ resilience in the face of threats. These efforts reflect a growing recognition that understanding the cultural aspects of wildlife could be a game-changer for conservation.

The theme issue of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B includes nine detailed articles reviewing the evidence of social learning and culture across diverse animal groups, including fish, reptiles, birds, whales, dolphins, elephants, and more. The issue also examines urgent conservation challenges such as translocation, human-animal interactions, social networks, and how culture can serve as an environmental indicator. A section on ‘conservation in action’ highlights ongoing projects like the sperm whale and chimpanzee initiatives, as well as efforts to attempt ‘cultural rescue’ for declining songbird populations.

To explore the full issue, visit: https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2024.0127.

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SOURCE: University of Exeter