What's happened
A study in Cornwall shows gulls distinguish between speaking and shouting voices, reacting more aggressively to shouting. The research suggests gulls pay attention to vocal tone, which could help in non-violent bird deterrence strategies. The findings highlight complex animal responses to human vocal cues.
What's behind the headline?
Gulls differentiate vocal tone, reacting more aggressively to shouting
This study reveals that wild gulls are capable of discerning between different vocal cues, responding more strongly to shouting than speaking at the same volume. This challenges assumptions that only physical deterrents work and suggests that vocal tone alone can influence animal behavior.
The findings imply that humans can deter gulls peacefully by using assertive vocalizations, reducing the need for physical confrontation or harm. This could influence wildlife management practices, especially in urban and coastal areas where gulls are a conservation concern.
Furthermore, the research indicates that gulls may have gender-based discrimination in their responses, as only male voices were tested. Future studies could explore whether gulls react differently to female voices, potentially revealing more about their social cognition.
Overall, this research underscores the importance of understanding animal perception and communication, which can lead to more humane and effective wildlife deterrence methods. It also highlights the complex cognitive abilities of gulls, often underestimated in urban environments.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the study was conducted across nine seaside towns in Cornwall, with researchers playing recordings of male voices and birdsong. They emphasize that gulls tend to fly away more often when shouted at, compared to speaking or hearing birdsong. AP News highlights that gulls showed vigilance and reduced pecking when exposed to human voices, differentiating between shouting and speaking.
While both sources agree on the core findings, The Independent notes the potential for gender-based discrimination in gull responses, suggesting further research could explore reactions to female voices. AP News focuses more on the behavioral nuances, such as walking away versus flying, and the implications for peaceful deterrence. Both articles underscore that this research offers a non-violent way to manage gulls, which are a species of conservation concern in the UK.
How we got here
Researchers at the University of Exeter tested 61 herring gulls across Cornwall, exposing them to recordings of a male voice speaking or shouting phrases like 'No, stay away, that’s my food.' The study aimed to explore if vocal tone alone can deter gulls from stealing food, building on previous research about gulls' reactions to human presence and eye contact.
Go deeper
- Could this method be used to deter gulls in urban areas?
- Are female voices likely to produce different reactions?
- How might this change current wildlife management practices?
More on these topics
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The University of Exeter is a public research university in Exeter, Devon, South West England, United Kingdom. It was founded and received its royal charter in 1955, although its predecessor institutions, St Luke's College, Exeter School of Science, Exete