Mentor Areas
- Behavioral biology
- Biological anthropology
- Animal behavior
- Animal welfare
- Zoo science
- Primate research/methods
- Cognitive science
- Evolution
- Community engagement and outreach
Description:
Wild white-handed gibbons are difficult to study, likely due to gibbons’ active, arboreal lifestyle, rapid locomotion, small group size, and timid nature. For these reasons, and because gibbons have long life-histories (and therefore, extended natal development) natal dispersal is poorly documented. While existing studies have estimates for natal dispersal ages, individual and group behavior prior to dispersal is purely qualitative, often based on one individual. Zoologically-housed white-handed gibbons provide a unique opportunity to examine natal dispersal more closely.
Dr. Caroline Jones and select undergraduate researcher assistants will observe a group of white-handed gibbons (Hylobates lar) housed at the Philadelphia Zoo., and collect behavioral data using ZooMonitor™ software. This data will then be used to create time/activity budgets for each individual and/or primate species. For those internal states not observable (stress, comfort), urine and fecal samples will be collected by zoo staff for further analysis of hormones and diet. In addition, surveys will be drafted and distributed to inquire about other zoos’ experiences regarding species-typical behavior, as well as husbandry and management practices. The results from this study will not only aid the Philadelphia Zoo in the care of their primate collection, but will serve as an opportunity for undergraduate students from the University of Pennsylvania to engage in the research process, while contributing to their community.
*Please be aware that no internal funding is available, though work study students are welcome, as well as those with external funding, independent studies, and of course, volunteers.*
Preferred Qualifications
Students who wish to apply must:
- have prior experience and/or course work in animal behavior or primate studies
- have their own transportation to the zoo
- have weekly availability to collect data
- be reliable, dedicated, independent, and conscientious
Project Website
Learn more about the researcher and/or the project here. Dr. Jones - University of Pennsylvania
Details:
Preferred Student Year
Second-Year, Junior, Senior
Academic Term
Spring
I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).Volunteer
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.Paid
No
Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.Work Study
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.