Variation in reversal learning by three generalist mesocarnivores

Authors

Lauren A. Stanton, University of WyomingFollow
Eli S. Bridge, University of Oklahoma
Joost Huizinga, OpenAI, San Francisco, CA
Shylo R. Johnson, USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research Center
Julie K. Young, USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Sarah Benson‑Amram, University of Wyoming

ORCID IDs

Lauren A. Stanton http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8171-4034

Eli S. Bridge http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3453-2008

Joost Huizinga http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0877-3051

Shylo R. Johnson http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1469-0682

Julie K. Young http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4522-0157

Sarah Benson‑Amram http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0147-7559

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2021

Citation

Animal Cognition (2021) 24:555–568

doi:10.1007/s10071-020-01438-4

Comments

U.S. government work

Includes Supplementary Materials

Abstract

Urbanization imposes novel challenges for wildlife, but also provides new opportunities for exploitation. Generalist species are commonly found in urban habitats, but the cognitive mechanisms facilitating their successful behavioral adaptations and exploitations are largely under-investigated. Cognitive flexibility is thought to enable generalists to be more plastic in their behavior, thereby increasing their adaptability to a variety of environments, including urban habitats. Yet direct measures of cognitive flexibility across urban wildlife are lacking. We used a classic reversal-learning paradigm to investigate the cognitive flexibility of three generalist mesocarnivores commonly found in urban habitats: striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and coyotes (Canis latrans). We developed an automated device and testing protocol that allowed us to administer tests of reversal learning in captivity without extensive training or experimenter involvement. Although most subjects were able to rapidly form and reverse learned associations, we found moderate variation in performance and behavior during trials. Most notably, we observed heightened neophobia and a lack of habituation expressed by coyotes. We discuss the implications of such differences among generalists with regard to urban adaptation and we identify goals for future research. This study is an important step in investigating the relationships between cognition, generalism, and urban adaptation.