This is what it's all about
Here we go again! After moose, it’s time for monkeys!
Some of you may remember me and my previous campaign on We Make It in 2023, which allowed me to travel to Alaska to study the behavior of moose. More than 30 people, along with two foundations, supported my project, which turned out to be a real success! Now that the research has been submitted for publication in a scientific journal, I’m setting off on a new adventure.
I will continue studying animal behavior, but this time in a very different environment: the Mawana Game Reserve in South Africa. I will be joining the Inkawu Vervet Project research centre, supervised by Professor van der Waal from the University of Lausanne, to study the behaviour of wild vervet monkeys.
After becoming familiar with each individual in the group assigned to me, and completing various trainings to safely work in the South African savannah, I will be able to contribute to several behavioral research projects—without disturbing the monkeys, of course!
A great biodiversity will surround me in the reserve — such as wild giraffes. 
My bush training will teach me how to react in dangerous situations, such as facing a moody elephant! 
Leopards are the biggest predators found in my reserve.
Why it’s worth it
One of the main research focuses is the transmission of culture, whether through traditions or innovations within vervet monkey groups. This is a key piece of the puzzle we still lack to understand why human cultures are so rich and diverse.
Another particularly innovative topic combines behavioural research with endocrinology. We now know that hormones (such as oxytocin) play a major role in social interactions, and linking hormonal data with behavioural observations can help explain many aspects of social life.
Finally, I will also take part in the study of vocalisations, which are highly complex in vervet monkeys and whose evolution is still not fully understood.
Beyond the research itself, sending young researchers (like me!) to the Inkawu research centre helps keep the project running and gives many local people the opportunity to participate in protecting their own biodiversity. The project is strongly committed to involving local communities as much as possible and gives them priority over international scientists. The centre also contributes to raising awareness about the importance of protecting nature and actively works against poaching.
In short, it’s a win–win situation: for science, for biodiversity, and for the local communities!
Vervet monkeys are small monkeys, their weight ranges from 4 to 6kg. 
This species also exists in other countries in South of Africa. 
Up to 50 individuals can live in the same group! 
They are semi-terrestrial monkeys, so they also spend some time on the ground. 
Many types of studies are conducted in this research center!
This is what I need backing for
The reality is that very little funding is allocated to research and biodiversity protection. Even though part of my stay will be covered, I will not receive a salary.
Your support will therefore help me cover some necessary but less glamorous expenses (such as health insurance and food), as well as the field equipment I will need. I’m already equipped with a great camera to share my best photos with you (go check on Instagram @marinebagnoud_ !) and a pair of binoculars for my observations, but I am still missing a few key items—such as technical clothing suitable for long days under the sun, and ultra-waterproof gear for the rainy periods.
Because fieldwork is no joke!
Even though it gets really hot in the summer, temperatures can drop below zero during winter. 
My future home for eight months! 
The Mawana Reserve is mostly savanna.