Temporal dynamics and policy implications in an innovation arms race

Area of Science:

• Urban ecology
• Animal behaviour
• Human-wildlife conflict

Background:

• Human-modified environments create new resource opportunities, leading to human-wildlife conflict.
• Sulphur-crested cockatoos in Sydney exhibit learned bin-opening behaviours, escalating conflict with residents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the behavioural 'arms race' between cockatoos and humans over bin access.
• To analyze the role of social learning in adaptation for both species.

Main Methods:

• Systematic field observations of bin protections over two years.
• Controlled assays to assess cockatoo proficiency in defeating protections.
• Agent-based modelling to simulate human-cockatoo interactions.

Main Results:

• Spatial clustering of protections suggests social learning among residents.
• Cockatoos demonstrate varied skills in defeating bin defenses, with some adept at high-efficacy locks.
• Social learning accelerates adaptation in both humans and cockatoos, while coordination reduces costs.

Conclusions:

• Human-wildlife conflict is dynamic, influenced by behavioural feedback loops.
• Policy interventions require careful consideration to avoid unintended consequences, such as accelerated cockatoo skill acquisition.
• Understanding social learning is crucial for effective urban wildlife management strategies.