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Matters -- by David Suzuki One of the barriers that was thought to separate humans from other species came crashing down last month when sci- entists announced that chimpanzee communities appear to have distinct cultures. Culture is often considered to be an exclusively human phenomenon involving language, art, science and other com- plex behaviours. But this new study by Andrew Whiten, Jane Goodall and others offers overwhelming evidence that we are not alone in the ability to invent novel customs and pass them on to others socially. The report, published in the journal Nature, is based on observations gathered from the world's seven most compre- hensive chimpanzee field studies - together representing 151 years of observation. Researchers found that once ecological differences in behaviour had been taken into account, (sleep- ing in trees, for example, where predators are present and on the ground where they are not) there were still some 39 be- haviours that varied between chimp communities. In some societies, for example, chimps use rocks to crack open coula nuts and eat the tasty meat inside. But other soci- eties ignore the nuts altogether, even when both nuts and rocks are plentiful. Some chimp communities have also found an efficient way to harvest ants, waiting patiently for them to climb onto a stick, then using their hands to wipe the ants into their mouths. Meanwhile, other groups use their sticks to slowly pick the ants up few at a time. And these variations aren't Tinited to tool use. Grooming techniques and vocalizations are also different. Moreover, all of these vari- ants appear to have been passed on socially - that is, through observation and imitation of one-another, not genetically. This comprehensive study of non-human culture is thought to be the first of its kind, not just for chimps, but for any species. While individual behaviours such as the call of song- birds vary between populations, this is the first time a number of distinct behaviours have been analysed that together seem to add up to what we define as culture. The next question is whether other species also belong to the culture club. The odds are they do, especially all of our close relatives such as gorillas and orangutans, but also whales and dolphins, and perhaps many more species too. The fact that after decades of in-depth field studies, we are only now able to decisively point out cultural ditferences shows how complex animal societies are and that we are just beginning to learn about them. Of course, some scientists still refuse to accept that differ- ences in behaviour, such as the way ants are gathered, could be signs of culture. Instead, they argue that the behaviours are adopted as individual chimps learn the behaviours by themselves, rather than from one-another. Still others insist that culture must include more complex behaviours such as language. Granted, cultural variants such as nut cracking are hardly comparable to composing a Beethoven sonata, building the pyramids, or walking on the moon, but they certainly exhibit the beginnings of culture that have ultimately led to these remarkable human achievements. Chimpanzees are our clos- est living relatives, offering invaluable clues to our own evo- lutionary history. Understanding how chimp culture devel- ops is not just an important step towards understanding chim- panzees, but to understanding ourselves as well. Unfortunately, chimpanzees are threatened from poach- ing and habitat loss throughout Africa. 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(Protect Our Water and Environmental Resources), the group that successfully fought the Acton dump, has embarked on an ambitious project for the Mil- lennium. They will seek funding from the federal gov- ernment EcoAction 2000 Fund to do a huge, tree-plant in Halton Hills. President, Barbara Halsall, speaking on behalf of the group, said, "These special landmarks in our lives such as Centennial Year or the Millennium are atime to stand back and think of what significant initiatives we can take that will leave a true legacy. P.O.W.E.R. can think of nothing better than to improve the environment i our citizens and for wild- ife.? : Only native species will be used and hopefully trees from heritage seeds that are acclimatized to this area. Plans are to match the spe- cies to the site conditions. Building on work begun by the Town Environmental Advisory committee (TEAC), and Halton Region, P.O.W.E.R. will use Geo- graphic Information System (GIS) technology to identify significant woodlots. Land- owners will have the oppor- tunity to enlarge their woodlots with free labour. As the trees grow between exist- ing woodlots these will form important corridors for birds and animals. Discussions have already been held with the Town of Halton Hills on the possibil- ity of planting on town prop- erty. The ravine that borders the Georgetown South Park is a prime example. Halton Region Conservation Au- thority will give guidance on what is appropriate for that site, The group has contacted schools in Halton Hills so that a large number of stu- dents can be involved. Awareness about climate change, habitat, biodiversity and the interdependence of systems are all sure to be raised. Schools have ex- pressed interest but are wait- ing for more details. 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