Why scientists are racing to protect animal traditions before they disappear

For years, wildlife conservation concentrated only on preserving animal numbers, breeding rates, and the habitat of the animals. The scientists used such factors to measure the degree of success. However, things are changing nowadays. According to some experts, wildlife preservation should focus not only on numbers and rates. It should also pay attention to the traditions, behavior, and social skills of animals.

Many animals learn some kinds of culture. They pass down information concerning behavior and ways of living that help them survive. From dolphin hunting lessons to chimpanzee tool usage, there are many examples of animal behaviors passed down across generations. There is evidence suggesting that if we preserve an animal but not its culture, our conservation measures might be ineffective.

The essence of animal culture


According to researchers, animal culture is the set of behavioral traits learned socially but not genetically transmitted. These behavioral traits are passed down within groups and across generations by learning and imitation. Experts managed to observe cultures among whale, dolphin, elephant, bird, and primate populations.

There were some behavioral differences between certain groups of animals belonging to the same species. According to a review article in Animal Cognition, socially acquired behaviors may play a role in the survival, reproductive success, and adaptive abilities of various animal communities. The authors suggest considering them as an essential part of conservation efforts.

According to researchers, cultures are not unique to humans. Instead, socially transmitted information is vital for many non-human animal species to cope with environmental changes.

Significance of animal culture for survival

Animals use cultural knowledge to respond to potential dangers more effectively than relying solely on instincts. As examples, scientists mention migration paths of some whales that show young generations where to find resources. In some chimpanzee groups, there are cultural practices of making tools that allow accessing resources better. Dolphins can learn certain hunting techniques from older generations.

A study in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that social learning can lead to evolution and increase the fitness level among population. Scientists believe that cultural practices enhance survival and adaptation abilities of certain species.

Other research published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B suggests that loss of learned behaviors may impact entire populations negatively despite constant numbers of animals.

Conservation programs are beginning to take a new direction

Conservation initiatives are coming to realize that preserving both species and habitats is not enough to protect culture. The importance of maintaining social structure to facilitate cultural learning is particularly acute for highly social species.

In cases where fragmentation of population occurs due to habitat degradation and/or anthropogenic reasons, young individuals will no longer have contact with mature peers capable of passing vital information on. Social learning plays a significant role in migration, foraging, and adapting among other factors.

It was noted that conservation practices may need to preserve migration corridors, maintain family stability, and decrease any disturbances that separate young individuals from mature mentors.

The increasing attention towards the preservation of animal societies

There is a tendency of researchers to view animal culture as an element of biodiversity. Professor of psychology and well-known specialist in animal behavior, Marc Bekoff, writes in Psychology Today about the necessity of preserving animal societies. He found that the practices and customs within animal communities can determine their resilience when faced with environmental stress.

There are existing examples of such in conservation programs around the globe. Scientists investigating orcas, elephants, and primates pointed out the importance of not breaking up the community into separate pieces while attempting relocation or rehabilitation. Protection of the elder members of the group is also important because they can possess information about migration paths, feeding areas, or avoiding natural enemies.

A wider perspective on animal conservation

Animal culture has made researchers redefine their goals for protecting wildlife from extinction. Not only the protection of the particular species but the survival of its culture can become a priority since behavioral adaptation is an essential tool of surviving.

According to the researchers, this new approach can lead to increased resilience of endangered species against climate change, habitat loss, and other factors that disrupt ecosystems. This perspective will also promote the perception of animals as part of their societies rather than solitary creatures.

With more and more evidence being discovered by scientists, conservationists begin to consider traditions, social learning, and communication skills a significant component of wildlife preservation.