Small Creatures, Big Data: Innovative prototype enhances lemur research at Zoo Zurich
In the Masoala Rainforest at Zoo Zurich, a state-of-the-art prototype developed by the Center for Project-Based Learning (PBL) is currently undergoing testing. This new device provides unprecedented and pivotal data for research on Goodman's mouse lemurs, one of the world's smallest lemur species.
In brief:
- Electrical engineering student Jonas Peter, along with his supervisors Victor Luder and Dr. Michele Magno, Head of D-ITET's Center for Project-Based Learning (PBL), has developed a complex prototype that is now being tested at Zoo Zurich.
- The device is deployed at the Masoala Rainforest to weigh and monitor the population of Goodman’s mouse lemurs – one of the smallest lemur species known.
- The unique environmental conditions, characterized by moving animals and hot, humid air, present significant challenges for this project.
How can a lemur, weighing only 40 grams and remaining constantly active – primarily during nocturnal hours – be recognized and weighed accurately? This demanding challenge is currently being investigated by a research team from the D-ITET Center for Project-Based Learning (PBL). The team, consisting of electrical engineering student Jonas Peter, his supervisors Victor Luder, and PBL Head Dr. Michele Magno, has developed a prototype, which is presently undergoing testing in the Masoala Rainforest at Zoo Zurich.
The high-end device is equipped with various sensors, readers, and data loggers. A data logger sends all information directly to the cloud via LoRaWan (Long Range Wide Area Network), which was provided by ewz especially for the test, without any time delay. One of the significant difficulties faced by the research team is ensuring the functionality of all sensors and technical components despite the tropical conditions in the Masoala Rainforest. Additionally, regardless of the constant movement of the animals, the measurement methods must operate with great precision.
The box is currently designed to determine the weight of Goodman's mouse lemurs. Since these belong to the smallest lemur species in the world (weighing approximately the same as a charging case for headphones), detecting even minimal variations in weight is critical. Therefore, the research team has installed a highly sensitive scale underneath the feeding bowl. It repeatedly measures the lemur’s weight and compares it to previous data to detect any differences in the animal’s weight. This is especially important at this time of year, as hibernation approaches, since the Goodman’s mouse lemurs must increase their normal weight by more than 50 percent.
Further information:
external page Alle Mausmakis auf die Waage, bitte! (in German)
Background:
The Goodman's lemur was first scientifically described in 2005. When the first animals moved into the Masoala rainforest in 2007, knowledge of the species was still very rudimentary. The zoo therefore carried out pioneering work right from the start by monitoring the population and documenting all findings on its distribution, diet and social dynamics.
This resulted in the first comprehensive data set on the life cycle, health and behaviour of the animals, which is now being further expanded by the new system. In the long term, this is a particularly valuable resource for researching and protecting this endangered species.