Research
Due to perfect living conditions at Affenberg Salem, the behavior of Barbary macaques at Affenberg Salem, hardly differs from the behavior of Barbary macaques living in the wild. Here, researchers have perfect conditions to conduct scientific field studies and gather valuable information about behavioral science, individual life stories and relationships among monkeys.
Since the park was founded, numerous scientific research projects have been conducted and the results have been published in renowned journals.
A lot of what we know about Barbary macaques, originates from research conducted at Affenberg Salem!
Conducting research at Affenberg Salem
If you would like to conduct a study at Affenberg Salem please download the guidelines here, and send your research proposal to Dr. Roland Hilgartner (info@affenberg-salem.de), at least 2 months before you want to begin your study. After considering your proposal, we will get back to you and let you know if it has been approved.
Your proposal should contain: research aims and hypotheses, detailed observational methods, length of study, proposed statistical analysis, letter of authorisation (from your supervisor) and any other supporting information.
Longer projects (e.g. Masters/PhDs)
Ensure you factor in a sufficient pilot study (recognition of individuals, establishing ethogram, familiarising with groups, testing methods).
Shorter projects (e.g. undergraduate projects)
Aim for a few simple research questions dealing with frequent behaviors. We recommend working with age-sex classes rather than with focal individuals, as the identification of a large number of individuals is not possible in a short time frame.
Practical courses
The park is an ideal setting for students to make first experience field work. Lecturers with students can come for one day, or a longer period of time. The students can work on different research questions, test sampling and evaluate techniques.
