Are we building an “animal internet”?

Should we?

Human owners of parrots in the study reported that the birds seemed happier when they could interact online with other parrots and not just with people…

Scientists are using digital technology to revolutionise animal communication and move towards an “animal internet”, using new products such as phones for dogs and touchscreens for parrots.

Experiments by Glasgow university have enabled several species, from parrots and monkeys to cats and dogs, to enjoy long-distance video and audio calls. They have also developed technology for monkeys and lemurs in zoos to trigger soothing sounds, smells or video images on demand.

Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, who heads the university’s Animal-Computer Interaction Group, started by developing a DogPhone that enables animals to contact their owners when they are left alone.

Her pet labrador Zack calls her by picking up and shaking an electronic ball containing an accelerometer. When this senses movement, it sets up a video call on a laptop, allowing Zack to interact with her whenever he chooses. She can also use the system to call him. Either party is free to pick up or ignore the call.

…When a parrot wanted to connect with a distant friend, a touchscreen showed a selection of other birds available online. The parrots learned to activate the screen, designed specially for them, by touching it gently with their tongues rather than pecking aggressively with their beaks.

“We had 26 birds involved,” said Hirskyj-Douglas. “They would use the system up to three hours a day, with each call lasting up to five minutes.” The interactions ranged from preening and playing with toys to loud vocal exchanges.

Here is more from Clive Cookson from the FT.  Via Malinga.