I am currently pursuing a PhD on "Nests in wild chimpanzees from Uganda: comfort and / or self-medication?" with a CIFRE contract between the MNHN, the CNRS and the private company Lovea. The project aims at studying the nesting behavior of wild chimpanzees to understand their choice in the tree specie selected. Two axes will be investigated: the mecanical properties and the natural repellent activity of the tree species. The study site will be in Uganda at Sebitoli in the Kibale National Park.
The approach developed here is innovative in the diversity and complementarity of the methods used to try to solve behavioral questions and benefit from animal knowledge. It is also the result of the joint work of a leading French research institution and a growing French cosmetics society united by a common goal, to protect nature and biodiversity and the well-being of humans and non-humans.