Research Objective

The Smart Monkey Lab is an interdisciplinary project that aims to study the social dynamics of semi-free ranging Japanese macaques through the use of novel digital technologies and Citizen Science. This project started after the Affenberg-population underwent a highly dynamic group split in the spring of 2020. Since then, we continuously monitored the intricate social processes within the population to gain a better understanding of the social behaviour of this species. We want to look at why the group separated, for example, and how the population dealt with two separate social groups in the same enclosure. Surprisingly, we noticed that some females moved away from their family, which is very unique for the species. This is why we also wonder what influences the social behaviour of females during these dynamic times. However, studying these questions is challenging. It requires a reliable identification of all group members, consistent observation and analyses of large amounts of behavioural data. This is why we are working on new digital tools that can help us overcome these challenges, such as facial recognition apps for Japanese macaques and online databases for automated data storage and -analyses. We furthermore believe that through the use of Citizen Science, we can better study our population and generate more awareness for and interest in primate behaviour. Therefore, we are currently developing new science programmes in which interested laypeople, both children and adults, can help us in this exciting project.

Further Information