Cultural diversity in non-human species and conservation

In many of the Biodiversity-related Conventions, the linkages between nature and culture have seen an increasing focus, recognising the inherent interdependency between people and nature. For example, the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) defines “animal culture” as “information or behaviours shared within a group, and acquired from conspecifics through some form of social learning”. Animal culture is also increasingly recognised for its role in biodiversity conservation, evolving from what was previously considered as examples of complex animal behaviours or intelligence.

Cultural diversity and transmission among animals can play an important role in the persistence of populations, as well as species’ abilities to adapt to bigger and more complex anthropogenic and environmental threats. Integrating animal culture theory and practice into conservation is likely to also lead to more successful conservation programs, from species translocations and reintroductions to protected area planning. 

With the support of the Arcus Foundation, IUCN has embarked on a 5-year project (2025-2030) to advance the consideration and integration of non-human culture in conservation, guiding policies and actions across the global conservation sector. The project is done in close collaboration with a range of partners including the CMS Secretariat, and drawing on the expertise of the CMS Expert Group on Animal Culture and Social Complexity; the IUCN SSC Working Group on Chimpanzee Cultures; the newly established IUCN SSC-CEESP Conservation of Animal Cultures Task Force; and a wide consultation of traditional knowledge holders, Indigenous peoples, academics, and conservation practitioners, to provide a global reference framework for the integration of non-human cultures and the intrinsic value of culture into biodiversity conservation. 

This project is supported by