For further information about the Barbary macaques and the contents of this website,

contact:	Dr. John Cortes	gonhs@gibnet.gi
	Prof. Keith Hodges	khodges@gwdg.de
Credits:
Webdesign	Ralf Armbrecht	ralfarmbrecht@web.de
		GreenMediaNet
Content	Ulrike Möhle
	Keith Hodges
Photographs	Ralf Armbrecht	Lara Modolo
	Keith Hodges	Ulrike Möhle
	Rolf Kümmerli

Research on the Barbary macaques is carried out within the framework of the Gibraltar Barbary macaque Project (GBMP), a programme of collaboration co-ordinated by the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society (GONHS), the Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic (GVC), the German Primate Centre and Chicago Field Museum.

Background

The Barbary Macaque population on Gibraltar has the potential to make a substantial contribution to education, scientific research and conservation management of declining populations of this threatened primate species. From a research perspective, the Barbary macaque displays features of a social and reproductive biology of particular interest to our understanding of the evolution of primate social systems and of the factors determining individual reproductive success. It also provides a good model for examining genetic effects of fragmentation and of the ways in which ecological and demographic factors affect genetic variability within and between populations. From a more practical point of view, the limited space and natural resources available on Gibraltar necessitate an effective management programme in order to restrict further expansion and maintain a genetically viable population over the long-term. Studies of reproduction, behavioural ecology and genetics on the Gibraltar macaques are thus not only of basic primatological interest, they also provide an essential framework of knowledge on which an effective population management plan can be based. Furthermore, the experience and knowledge gained during the course of these studies on the Gibraltar macaques, will also make a valuable contribution to the future conservation of the species as a whole.

Currently, the GBMP comprises the following major project areas:

1)  Demographics and ecology of the Gibraltar barbary macaque population

The aim is to collect and utilise long-term data on population and group size and structure, transfers (dispersal) and fertility parameters. Information on spatial use of habitat including home range size will also be generated. Basic data of this kind are essential for an effective population management and will also provide a useful comparison with data from captive and wild (non-provisioned) populations.

2)  Population genetics

Using the Barbary macaque as a model species, the principle aims of this study are to investigate the genetic consequences of fragmentation and to examine how ecological and demographic factors affect genetic variability within and between small populations. By generating baseline information on the genetic characteristics of the Gibraltar population, the study will also provide a framework for the development of an effective population management of an improved long-term management plan.

3)  Social and reproductive biology

a)  Causes and functions of secondary sex skin characteristic expression in female Barbary macaques

Different degrees of anogenital swelling (AS) in Barbary macaque females during mating season may be related to attractiveness and effect competition for males and resources through intra-and inter-sexual interactions. The AS may also be used as part of a female strategy to conceal ovulation. Hypotheses exist, but there are very few reliable data directly addressing these issues, particularly in free-ranging primate populations. In an ongoing collaborative study carried out by the University of Vienna and the German Primate Centre, the social status, behaviour, swelling morphology and physiological parameters in the Barbary macaques living in the Middle Hill group on Gibraltar are being examined.

b)  Factors determining paternity outcome and individual reproductive success

Although it has been established that Barbary macaques have a promiscuous mating system leading to multiple paternity within groups, factors determining paternity outcome are unknown. In a multi-male-multi-female mating system, both sexes may contribute to influence paternity outcome, although the different selective forces operating on male and female reproductive mechanisms can be expected to lead to opposing strategies. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate the relative roles of male and female strategies in determining reproductive success in a free-living population of Barbary macaques. In particular, the study will examine the relative importance of male monopolisation, female choice and sperm competition in determining paternity outcome and investigate factors in determining partner choice.