Research at the KLF

Affiliate relations and cooperation in ravens, Corvus corax

part of the European research network COCOR (Cooperation in Corvids)

funded by: ESF-EUROCORES framework TECT (2007-2010)

project leader: Dr. Thomas Bugnyar

Observational evidence suggests that corvid flocks represent individualized societies with members selectively exchanging low- and high-risks behaviours such as preening and coalition formation. Moreover, recent studies emphasize a crucial role of affiliate relationships that may form between siblings but also between non-related individuals. What is not yet clear is to what extent individuals make tactical use of their relations in cooperative interactions. The aim of the project is to 1) test if ravens’ affiliate relationships work as alliances in conflicts, leading to a system of dependent ranks both within and between sexes, 2) determine if, and how, individuals maintain affiliate relations when their partners are experimentally prevented from retaliating social support and 3) examine the birds’ willingness to share resources with ‘reliable’ and ‘unreliable’ partners.