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Do ravens show consolation? Responses to distressed others
Orlaith N Fraser1, Thomas Bugnyar
1Department of Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. orlaith.fraser@univie.ac.at
Plos One
|May 21, 2010
Summary
Ravens show bystander affiliation, where uninvolved birds console victims after conflicts. This behavior, especially after intense disputes, suggests ravens may be sensitive to others' distress and value social bonds.
Area of Science:
- Animal behavior
- Cognitive ethology
- Social cognition
Background:
- Bystander affiliation, post-conflict affiliation from a bystander to a victim, may signal empathy.
- Alternative hypotheses exist regarding the function of bystander affiliation.
- Investigating this in ravens can illuminate animal conflict resolution and the empathy debate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate post-conflict behavior in ravens.
- To apply the predictive framework for bystander affiliation in a non-ape species.
- To determine if ravens offer consolation to distressed partners.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of post-conflict interactions in ravens.
- Analysis of bystander affiliation, reconciliation, and solicited bystander affiliation.
- Examination of the role of relationship quality and conflict intensity.
Main Results:
- Strong evidence for bystander affiliation and solicited bystander affiliation found.
- Weak evidence for reconciliation between former opponents.
- Bystander affiliation was more likely after intense conflicts and involved individuals with valuable relationships.
- Solicited affiliation reduced the likelihood of renewed aggression.
Conclusions:
- Ravens may console victims with whom they share valuable relationships, alleviating distress.
- Victims may affiliate with bystanders to reduce renewed aggression.
- Relationship quality is crucial for post-conflict interactions in ravens.
- Ravens demonstrate sensitivity to the emotions of others.
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