Concordia University
Ph.D. candidate
Supervisor: Sarah E. Turner
Renata Ferreira, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte
Start: 2025-09-01

Project

Optimizing primate conservation: Development of a readiness score for the rehabilitation of capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.)
The reintroduction of rescued capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.) is a critical conservation strategy in Brazil, yet the rehabilitation of survival skills remains a major bottleneck. Currently, the decision to release an animal is highly subjective and driven by logistical pressures rather than quantitative behavioral competence. Furthermore, standard protocols ignore the impact of individual personality traits on how primates learn complex survival tasks. This doctoral project aims to bridge the gap between behavioral ecology theory and conservation practice by establishing a quantitative, individualized "Readiness Score" for primate release. The methodology integrates qualitative interviews with rescue center staff (Phase 1) and the development of a standardized rehabilitation protocol assessing four core survival pillars: foraging (including tool-use and neophobia), social integration, locomotion, and anti-predator behavior (Phase 2). By evaluating subjects using the Hominoid Personality Questionnaire (HPQ) and analyzing behavioral data with Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) in R, this research will determine how personality traits predict the achievement of the minimum readiness score required for successful transition to the wild (Phase 3). Through this approach, the project provides a scalable, data-driven tool to reduce post-release mortality and optimize rescue center resources.

Keywords

animal behavior, Behavioral Ecology, Primate rehabilitation, Wildlife conservation, Animal personality

Publications

1- Foraging rehabilitation in rescued capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.): Assessing the role of personality in a tool-use protocol
Macedo de Oliveira, Viviane Aurora, Kevin Araújo, Matheus Santos Ferreira, Nelsinely Ficher, Maiara Gabrielle de Souza Melo, Renata Gonçalves Ferreira
2026 Applied Animal Behaviour Science

2- Contributions to the Taxonomy of Arlesminthurus Bretfeld and Calvatomina Yosii (Collembola, Symphypleona, Appendiciphora), with the Description of New Species from Northeastern Brazil
Cipola, Nikolas G., Gleyce Da S. Medeiros, Viviane A. M. De Oliveira, Luís G. De M. Barbosa, Thainá A. Lycarião, Bruno C. Bellini
2021 Insects