Reimagining relationships through animal culture

Burgeoning evidence on social learning and non-human (hereafter animal) culture is reinvigorating perspectives on our relationships with the natural world. Emergent scientific tools allow the detection of patterning generated by information shared within and between animal communities. 

Culture can be adaptive and can generate resilience, but it can also increase vulnerability. 

Whilst we are only now developing the scientific tools for quantifying animal cultures, it is undoubtedly the case that many animal cultures may have been in existence for thousands of years. Fossil evidence indicates the use of stone tools in chimpanzees dating back around 4300 years and we can only imagine how long the oceans have been thrumming with whale song. Whilst modern science is now better able to detect and measure these systems of within and between generation information flow across wildlife, some Indigenous communities have long understood the transmission of knowledge between ourselves and other species. Intergenerational mutualism between humans and a range of species from birds to killer whales demonstrates this depth of understanding and connection between people and place. 

Contributions from a broad range of perspectives and the development of citizen science will be an essential part of the field of animal culture moving forward. Collaborative efforts in this field can empower a deeper understanding of the natural world and inform efforts to use the tools of social learning and culture to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and improve reintroductions and other conservation activities. Such partnership may also help us explore together the intrinsic, intangible and universal value of animal cultures as they relate to our conception of world heritage.

Interested in the full article? Check out the next issue of Policy Matters, coming October 2025.