Concerted conservation actions to support chimpanzee cultures

Chimpanzees were amongst the first animals recognised to have culture, and our understanding of the breadth of their cultural repertoire has grown significantly since the 1960s. Throughout their range, chimpanzee populations have come under increasing pressure, with their endangered status necessitating immediate and long-term conservation interventions. Recognizing the importance of diverse behavioural repertoires for chimpanzees’ survival, there has been a recent focus of conservation efforts on preserving their culturally-transmitted behaviours and the environments in which they are exhibited. This article evaluates the practicality of developing conservation measures focused on chimpanzee culture. We highlight innovative conservation strategies aimed at integrating chimpanzee cultural behaviours into conservation policies. We review synergistic conservation initiatives led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), and other international and local stakeholders that share the goal of preserving chimpanzee populations and their cultural diversity. We underline how successful conservation implementation requires engagement and collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders. Finally, we explore lessons learned to date and provide insights aimed at guiding future efforts to incorporate cultural elements into conservation strategies.