Using AI to understand social and environmental influences on wild primate behavior.
Official title: Building an “AI Forest” to identify the social and environmental factors underlying complex behavioral traits in wild primates.
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11035427 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how different social and environmental challenges impact the behavior of wild white-faced capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica, using advanced technology to better understand their unique personalities and interactions over the past seven years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $283,968 |
| NIH project number | 1R34DA061925-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035427 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in animal behavior, conservation, or those studying the effects of environmental factors on wildlife.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in animal behavior or conservation efforts may not find this research beneficial.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social and environmental factors affect the behavior of wild white-faced capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica. By leveraging advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, the project aims to analyze individual differences in behavior that arise from various challenges these monkeys face in their natural habitat. The study will utilize a rich database collected over seven years, focusing on how these factors influence their development and interactions. The goal is to create an 'AI Forest' that enhances our understanding of primate behavior in a natural setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into the behavioral adaptations of primates, which may inform conservation efforts and improve animal welfare.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has successfully utilized similar AI approaches to study animal behavior, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Flagel, Shelly Beth — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Flagel, Shelly Beth
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.