On the verdant Yakushima Island in Japan, two types of animals have formed an unusual relationship that defies expectation.
The native Japanese macaque and Sika deer have developed a close bond. The macaque rides on the back of the deer like a tiny jockey, grooming its soft wool. The deer then drops the monkey near its sleeping area, eats the macaque’s feces, and tidies up the monkey’s habitat effectively.
It appears that the two species’ interaction is not incidental but a deliberate effort to engage with each other.
“There is a level of observation, thought, and understanding. It seems they are attempting to benefit from interacting and collaborating,” explained Professor Cedric Sueur, an expert in animal behavior complexity from Strasbourg University. “To me, they truly comprehend each other.”
Animals often learn behaviors from their own species. Studies have shown that birds can learn how to solve puzzles by observing others in their flock. Young meerkats learn safe ways to eat scorpions from their parents. Whales in specific groups develop unique dialects and patterns in their songs.
Researchers refer to this social learning as “culture,” where specific actions are passed down among groups. Sur and his colleagues propose that the deer and monkey’s behavior suggests social learning can extend beyond species, termed as “shared culture.”
“I believe there are multiple species engaging in shared culture,” stated Sur. “However, the concept of joint culture is relatively new and intriguing.”
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About our experts
Professor Cedric Sueur: An animal behavior researcher at Strasbourg University with published works in prominent journals.
Dr. Jean Baptiste Leca: A psychology professor at Lesbridge University with research published in respected journals.
Professor Dorothy Sueur: A primatology expert at Georgia University with research contributions to various international studies.
Dr. Michael Huffman: An associate professor at Kyoto University’s Wildlife Research Center with published work in premier scientific journals.
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
