Magpies are well-known for their intelligence - they are considered one of the most intelligent animals in the world - however, even though they are well-known for their intelligence, they still have shocked scientists with how intelligent they are.
A recent discovery by birdlife Australia shows how intelligent magpies are. A recent research paper called 'Australian Magpies Gymnorhina tibicen cooperate to remove tracking devices' is where birdlife Australia published their findings.
The study focused on Australian magpies.,
The researchers have discovered new, intelligent behaviour from magpies, where they found that when the researchers put tracking devices on the magpies, one magpie would help another magpie by snapping the tracking device off of the magpie - they broke off the tracking device minutes after it was put on to the magpies. This behaviour shows how intelligent, considerate and observant magpies are. It also shows how magpies help each other out.
This seems to be the first time that an animal has been recorded breaking off a device tracker. Putting a device tracker on animals in the wild can help scientists understand animals better; these trackers can also be used to help monitor the movements of endangered animals so that they can be protected.
A tracking device being put on animals in the wild can help protect animals from being poached. It can also help scientists understand animals better: such as understanding animal behaviours like bird migrations.
This new study shows that we still have much to learn from and about animals. You can find out more about the study of magpie behaviour - here!
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