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Vocal conditioning in kea parrots (Nestor notabilis).
Amelia Wein1, Raoul Schwing1, Martine Hausberger2
1Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna.
Journal of Comparative Psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)
|December 29, 2017
Summary
Social isolation hinders animal vocalizations in lab studies. Visual contact with other kea significantly increases vocal production, enabling operant conditioning for research. This method improves experimental design for studying animal communication.
Area of Science:
- Animal Behavior
- Avian Communication
- Laboratory Research Methods
Background:
- Laboratory studies of animal vocal behavior often isolate subjects, which can suppress vocalizations.
- Previous research faced challenges with silent subjects due to artificial social isolation.
- Understanding conditions that promote vocalization is crucial for improving experimental design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if kea (Nestor notabilis) vocal production can be increased through operant conditioning.
- To identify the specific social conditions that facilitate operant conditioning for vocal behavior in kea.
Main Methods:
- Kea were subjected to different social conditions (visual contact, auditory contact only, isolation) during operant conditioning tasks.
- Vocalization rates were measured under each condition.
- Training effectiveness was assessed by observing vocal production changes.
Main Results:
- Visual contact with conspecifics significantly increased spontaneous vocalizations in kea.
- Operant conditioning to increase vocal production was successful when visual contact was present.
- Auditory-only contact did not promote vocalization, and training was ineffective.
- Training gains persisted even after visual access was removed.
Conclusions:
- Visual social contact is a key factor in promoting vocal behavior in kea for laboratory settings.
- Operant conditioning is a feasible method for increasing kea vocalizations under visually social conditions.
- This approach can be used as a preliminary step to enhance vocal output before isolating subjects for future studies.
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