Abstract
AbstractAnimal cognition covers various mental processes including perception, learning, decision-making and memory, and animal behavior is often used as a proxy for measuring cognition. Animal cognition/behavior research has multiple benefits; it provides fundamental knowledge on animal biology and evolution but can also have applied conservation and welfare applications. Zoos provide an excellent yet relatively untapped resource for animal cognition research, because they house a wide variety of species - many of which are under threat - and allow close observation and relatively high experimental control compared to the wild. Multi-zoo collaboration leads to increased sample size and species representation, which in turn leads to more robust science. However, there are salient challenges associated with zoo-based cognitive research, which are subject-based (e.g., small sample sizes at single zoos, untrained/unhabituated subjects, site effects) and human-based (e.g., time restrictions, safety concerns, and perceptions of animals interacting with unnatural technology or apparatus). We aim to increase the understanding and subsequent uptake of animal cognition research in zoos, by transparently outlining the main benefits and challenges. Importantly, we use our own research (1) a study on novelty responses in hornbills, and (2) a multi-site collaboration called the ‘ManyBirds’ project to demonstrate how challenges may be overcome. These potential options include using ‘drop and go’ apparatuses that require no training, close human contact or animal separation. This article is aimed at zoo animal care and research staff, as well as external researchers interested in zoo-based studies.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSZoos are an excellent yet relatively untapped resource for animal cognition research.Zoo cognition research has historically been challenging, and traditional laboratory paradigms often do not translate well to the majority of zoos.Salient challenges of zoo-based cognitive research can be overcome by using less restrictive test apparatuses, limiting animal training and isolation, and subscribing to multi-zoo collaborative programs.
Publisher
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Reference52 articles.
1. Birch, J. , Burn, C. , Schnell, A. , Browning, H. , & Crump, A. (2021). Review of the evidence of sentience in cephalopod mollusks and decapod crustaceans. London School of Economics and Political Science for Department for Environmental Food and Rural Affairs: https://www.lse.ac.uk/News/News-Assets/PDFs/2021/Sentience-in-Cephalopod-Molluscs-and-Decapod-Crustaceans-Final-Report-November-2021.pdf
2. Emotions and cognition: a new approach to animal welfare;Animal Welfare,2007
3. Braithwaite, V. (2010). Do fish feel pain? Oxford University press, Oxford.
4. Power failure: why small sample size undermines the reliability of neuroscience
5. Building a collaborative psychological science: Lessons learned from ManyBabies 1.
Cited by
1 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献