My Master’s thesis will focus on the behaviour of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and will be supervised by Prof. Klaus Zuberbühler. The aim of the project is to understand whether chimpanzees with upper limb injuries are discriminated in their interactions due to their limited grooming ability.

The research will be conducted in the Budongo forest (Uganda) where many chimpanzees are injured by snares or other traps. In social groups species, individuals depend on each other to obtain all the necessary resources. Thus, grooming is an important activity leading to strong relationships between individuals and compose 20% of their daytime. Moreover, strong relationships lead to more support in case of aggression. The grooming ability of injured chimpanzee is affected and may have an impact on their interactions and relationships.

Contact

kevin.schweingruber@unine.ch