Not all animals are created equal. Some are bolder and better at problem-solving than others, even within the same species. Take the critically endangered Bali myna, for example. This rare bird is found only on the island of Bali in Indonesia, and fewer than 50 adult birds remain in their native dry forest and savanna. Conservationists are working to reintroduce more birds to boost the wild population, but their success depends on understanding how each bird perceives, processes, stores, and acts upon information (what scientists call “cognition”).
The Bali mynas will need to navigate through villages, farms, and other landscapes dominated by humans, recognize food and safe places to nest, and avoid predators and other hazards. Our research has started to identify the characteristics that make individual Bali mynas most suitable for this task, helping conservationists select the best candidates for release into the wild.
We tested 22 Bali mynas in three UK zoos to see how they responded to unfamiliar food and objects. We also gauged their problem-solving abilities, such as lifting a lid or pulling a string to reach hidden worms. The results showed that bolder birds were quicker to solve each new task, suggesting they may be more adaptable once released into the wild.
But this research isn’t just about selecting the best candidates for release. It can also help conservationists train animals to recognize and respond appropriately to threats like predators and to find safe food or places to breed. By combining efforts and insights across research, conservation, and education, we can better improve the chances of protecting the natural world.
Rachael Miller (Harrison), lecturer in biology & animal behaviour, Anglia Ruskin University; Elias Garcia-Pelegrin, assistant professor in comparative cognition and evolutionary psychology, National University of Singapore; and Stuart Marsden, professor of conservation ecology, Manchester Metropolitan University
Interviewing captive birds to select the best for release into the wild has become a popular method for conservation organizations to guarantee successful reintroduction of birds back into their natural habitats. By placing captive birds through interviews, organizations can identify which birds are the most self-sufficient and ready to survive and reproduce in the wild.
In order to interview the birds, researchers use a variety of questions and observations to gain insight into the bird’s behavior, experience, and motivation. For noisy birds, researchers may ask questions such as “What do you like to eat?” or “Can you sing?” For more temperamental birds, researchers might observe their reaction to the presence of humans, as well as their adaptation to captivity.
Once the birds have been evaluated, each individual is assigned a score based on their responses and behavior. The highest scoring birds are then selected for release, while the birds that do not score as well, might be re-evaluated at a later date or kept in captivity for further study. This ensures that only the most resourceful, brave, and adaptable birds make it back into the wild.
While the interviewing process does not guarantee success, it has proven to be a useful tool for conservation organizations. It has resulted in a higher rate of successful reintroduction of birds into their natural habitats, encouraging further wildlife conservation efforts in the future.
