Scientists Urge Expanded Protections for Endangered Species Based on Unique ‘cultures’
SEATTLE, WA – Recognizing that traditions and learned behaviors are vital to the survival of many imperiled species, conservation scientists are calling for a broadened interpretation of the Endangered species Act (ESA) to explicitly include the protection of animal cultures. A new analysis reveals that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) rarely consider these culturally-specific behaviors when making listing and recovery decisions, despite the ESA’s mandate to utilize the best available science.
The concept of “animal culture” – the transmission of knowledge and behaviors through social learning – is gaining traction in the scientific community. Unlike instinctual behaviors, cultural traits are learned from others within a population and can be crucial for adapting to changing environments. This can range from specific foraging techniques to unique vocal dialects, as seen in Southern Resident orcas, a fish-eating population in the Pacific Northwest that does not prey on marine mammals like seals or sea lions. protecting these learned behaviors, scientists argue, is as crucial as safeguarding genetic diversity.
Researchers analyzed how often FWS and NMFS considered animal cultures when designating distinct population segments and in recovery-related documents – including recovery plans, outlines, and five-year reviews. The findings were stark: animal cultures were infrequently discussed by either agency. the study highlights the need for clearer guidance for practitioners on incorporating animal culture into conservation efforts.
“When listening to whales singing or wolves howling, it would be naive to think ther isn’t more to their communication than what meets our ears,” researchers state, emphasizing the inherent value of these socially learned behaviors.
The scientists hope FWS and NMFS will develop specific guidance on animal culture and integrate it into future listings and recovery documents.This approach, they contend, would strengthen the ESA’s effectiveness in protecting and recovering imperiled species, acknowledging that these animals possess unique knowledge and traditions worth preserving.Imagery captured from unmanned hexacopters, under NOAA SWFSC, SR3 and the coastal Ocean Research Institute – NMFS permit #19091 – provides valuable data on these behaviors, such as observing Southern Resident orcas chasing salmon.
