The Introduction of Artificial Habitat Structures in Two Troops of Sanford's Brown Lemur!

Presenting my research on the improvement of lemur habitats at the European Federation for Primatology Meeting 2013 in Antwerp Belgium would be an invaluable research opportunity. This year’s theme is “Primates in Our Hands” and will focus on conservation with junior scientists being encouraged to attend. As a master’s student at the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute the chance to attend and present my research internationally is an invaluable opportunity. Over 38% of lemur species today are critically endangered and threatened with extinction and 80% of the forests on the island of Madagascar have been destroyed for precious hardwoods, agriculture, and human habitats. I believe my research can have a real impact if given the opportunity to share my work with others. This research is applicable both in captivity and in wild populations living on the island of Madagascar. Unfortunately, my university does not provide sufficient travel funds and grants to attend conferences internationally. My attendance at this conference will benefit many beside myself. I will share my research and in doing so benefit lemur populations in both captivity and the wild, meet new researchers and be exposed to exciting new studies, and upon return I will share what I have learned with my fellow graduate students. As a primatology student it is important to stay informed about innovative research in my field and currently Europe is home to many prominent primatologists, of whom I would like to learn from and meet.