Understanding Animal Lives is Important in Conservation Efforts

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Despite the news of their population decline and the endangerment of their habitats, there are still relentless conservation efforts being made around the world to protect and nurture animal lives. Experts and volunteers behind such efforts have a certain level of knowledge and compassion toward these animals in need. In a recent study, it has been scientifically proven that social learning and understanding of these animals’ lives is essential in helping them thrive again.

Importance of Social Learning

A study released in the Science journal last February 26, 2019 highlighted the fact that more scientific evidences regarding social learning about various animal species–which also includes learning their distinct animal cultures–is crucial in implementing conservation policies and practices.

The international team of researchers behind the study analyzed various species including crows, chimpanzees, elephants, and whales and they claimed that the cultural knowledge about animals should be given priority whenever there are international conservation efforts being planned. Knowing more about animal cultures can give more insights and information regarding specific groups of animals which should be conserved as early as possible. Alongside this, people will also be more aware of the safe and efficient methods that will be needed to conserve them.

As an illustration, it is good to understand how senior killer whales transmit important information to their children or the reasons behind the differences between chimpanzees who break nutritious nuts using stone and other groups of chimpanzees who do not. These examples present both the needs and challenges involved in creating conservation policies that are appropriate for each kind of animal.

An inexperienced offspring adapts and learns survival skills as they observe the elders within their social group and this is common among several animal species. These skills include foraging effectively, finding better habitats to migrate to, and communicating within their groups.

For instance, the passing of knowledge about migration pathways among bighorn sheep and whooping cranes can provide a lot of pertinent information so that future generations can survive as well when they migrate. Contrary to genetic inheritance, social knowledge is transferred within the same generation, hence knowledge such as how to discover a new and rich food source can be shared among members of the group. This will also give them more resilience in the face of challenging conditions in their environment.

How Animal Cultural Behavior Works

The researchers of the study also indicated that social learning processes may possibly lead to the emergence of various cultural subgroups with unique behavior profiles that can eradicate previous social barriers. This is the case observed among the vocal groups of sperm whales in the Eastern Pacific region. The cultural segregation may possess essential conservation clues particularly whenever various animal groups apply different foraging techniques. Each species’ skills also vary in terms of adapting to environmental changes.

In order to conserve social capital, there are populations which can be described best through their cultural behavior instead of simply evaluating the extent of geographic isolation and genetic diversity. Similar to how other species live, the members of the group that have more social knowledge are more protected–like how elder elephant mothers are guarded the most among elephant herds. These factors are equally important in protecting natural habitats that are in danger.

The Crucial Role of Knowledge in Saving Animals

As emphasized by Philippa Brakes, the lead author of the study from the University of Exeter in the UK, aside from genetics, knowledge is a very vital factor for wildlife conservation. As experts are protecting the genetic diversity, it is also a must to work together in protecting the cultural diversity among animal populations to help them thrive, adapt, and become more resilient in these changing times. A reframing of these experts’ current understanding of nature and animals is necessary to enact positive changes in the international laws that seek to protect wildlife.

Efforts of Experts Throughout the Years

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals or the Bonn Convention has been a leader and a pioneer for different conservation efforts. These movements seek to apply scientific knowledge about animal cultures in an effort to further improve the conservation of migratory animals. Bonn Convention works under the department of the United Nations Environment Program.

The study published in Science journal is the result of a collaboration from the seminal workshop held in Italy and is organized by the Bonn Convention. Throughout the study, various experts with decades of specialization have worked together to outline clearer recommendations in improving conservation efforts.

This study and the process of how it came to be show how animal conservationists and experts are willing to adapt to changes to find better means of saving these animals. This development gives new hope that a future wherein for both animals and humans can live together in a sustainable environment is possible.

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Understanding Animal Lives is Important in Conservation Efforts

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