The IUCN World Heritage team, with fundings from Arcus Foundation and in collaboration with the CEESP-SSC Conservation of Animal Cultures Task Force, has launched a five-year initiative (2025-2030) to explore how knowledge of animal cultures can support more effective and equitable biodiversity conservation.
While recognising that different views and perspectives on animal culture exist, for the purpose of this project, animal culture is defined here as information or behaviours that are shared within a group or community and are acquired through some form of social learning. Such culturally transmitted behaviours can play an important role in the survival and resilience of wild populations. Understanding and recognising these processes can help strengthen conservation policy, practice, and partnerships with field-level and Indigenous-led initiatives.
As part of a global consultation, IUCN is collecting insights from across the Union and the wider conservation and cultural heritage communities to assess the current levels of awareness, understanding and consideration of animal culture, as well as to identify needs, gaps and opportunities. The questionnaire is open until 11 March 2026 to both IUCN constituents (Members, Commissions, Council and national Committees and Secretariat) and non-IUCN constituents.
Access the questionnaire:
Photo credits: Vicki Fishlock (Amboseli Trust for Elephants)
For an introduction into animal culture and its relevance to conservation, please check the recording of our introductory Animal Culture webinar - Why does Animal Culture matter for Conservation? here: