Non-human animal cultures, co-cultures and conservation

Animal culture involves the transmission of behaviours through social learning, which plays a crucial role in species’ survival and adaptability to changing environments. Co-cultures, which describe the mutual cultural evolution between species, underscore the importance of interspecies interactions in maintaining ecological balance and resilience. The loss of these cultural practices can lead to a decline in population viability, reduced genetic diversity, and destabilised ecosystems, ultimately impacting the services these ecosystems provide to human health and well-being. The preservation of cultural traits is essential for maintaining biodiversity, ensuring species’ adaptive capacities, and supporting the overall health of ecosystems, which are critical for the survival of both non-human animals and humans. Integrating the conservation of animal cultures and co-cultures into broader conservation and One Health strategies is necessary to protect the delicate balance of life on Earth and ensure the well-being of all species.