Developing a Comprehensive Scientific Management System for the Gibraltar Barbary Macaques

Research Project

Research Project Overview

The project supports the scientific management of the local Barbary macaque population. By generating accurate data and insights into their behaviour and interactions, the project contributes to long-term, sustainable strategies for their conservation and welfare.

The project has three core aims:

Conduct a census and create an up-to-date database of individual Barbary macaques to better understand population structure and dynamics.
Monitor key factors influencing macaque movement, such as feeding patterns, foraging activity, and habitat use, to identify trends and pressures.
Evaluate human–macaque conflict, identifying causes and developing strategies to reduce and mitigate these interactions for the benefit of both the macaques and the local community.

Through these activities, the project promotes a deeper understanding of the local macaque population and inform policies that ensure a balanced coexistence between humans and macaques.

Funders: Darwin Plus. Project ref DPLUS217.

Project Team

Project lead: Professor Julia Fa, Beacon Professor. Julia is a globally recognised expert in wildlife management and conservation. With extensive experience in applied research and policy development, Julia brings strategic guidance and academic oversight to the project.

Darwin Plus Fellow: Lillianne Hawkins. Lillianne is responsible for the day-to-day management and delivery of the project, including fieldwork, data management and stakeholder engagement.

Significance of the research

Barbary macaques are the only free-ranging primates in Europe, and Gibraltar’s population holds unique ecological, cultural, and political importance.

This project addresses a critical gap in current knowledge by producing an up-to-date census and behavioural data to inform evidence-based decision-making. The work offers insights into movement patterns, foraging behaviour, and triggers of conflict.

In conjunction with the Department of environment we are ensuring that management strategies continue to be proactive and data driven.

The result will be a scientific and practical toolkit for managing semi-wild primates in a human-dominated landscape.

Research methods

This research adopts a pragmatic, field-based approach rooted in conservation biology and ethology. Fieldwork is conducted across multiple troop locations throughout Gibraltar, with observational surveys used to estimate population size and monitor individual behaviour.

Key methods include:

Census data collection using troop sampling to identify and track individuals.
Behavioural monitoring, recording feeding, foraging, and movement patterns.
Conflict logging, noting instances of human–macaque interactions and their context.
Use of movement tracking to analyse spatial trends in macaque movement.
Stakeholder engagement, including meetings with local authorities, and the public.

Research activities are supported by visits to other managed macaque populations (e.g. Trentham Monkey Forest), offering valuable comparative insights into best practices in husbandry, welfare, and management.

Ethical considerations are integral to the project, ensuring non-invasive methods and minimised disturbance to the macaques is maintained where possible.

Project collaborators

This project is supported by a diverse group of collaborators and funders, each playing a crucial role in its delivery:

Department of Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change and Heritage (DESCCH): Providing institutional support, local expertise, and logistical guidance.
Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic: Leading on management of macaques through feeding and care.
Sylvain Lemoine: Contributing expertise in observational methodology, providing mentorship and experiential advice from previous profiling of local macaques.

The University of Gibraltar hosts the project, offering access to academic resources, supervision, and a platform for public engagement.

This collaboration brings together science, policy, and local practice, ensuring the research remains both scientifically robust and grounded in the realities of macaque management in Gibraltar.

Relevance to the wider community

Barbary macaques are an iconic part of Gibraltar’s cultural identity and a major draw for tourism. However, their presence in urban areas often creates tension with residents and businesses.

Engaging the wider community is essential to the success of macaque management. Throughout the project, the team is working closely with local stakeholders to share knowledge, promote coexistence strategies, and encourage responsible interactions with wildlife.

Public engagement activities include educational outreach, and participation in events such as World Wildlife Day, and the Research That Benefits Gibraltar (RTBG) conference, where the project raises awareness of conservation challenges and opportunities in Gibraltar.

Pathways to impact

Beyond public engagement, this project is producing data and tools that directly inform future management decisions and policy development. Specific impacts include:

Establishing a detailed population record of individual Barbary macaques in Gibraltar, allowing for long-term monitoring.
Monitoring behaviour, feeding and movement to ensure effectivity of management practices.
Providing evidence-based recommendations to reduce conflict, improve tourism management, and enhance animal welfare.
Influencing future research on facial recognition in Barbary macaques.

To maximise impact, findings will be shared with policymakers. A summary report will be delivered to DESCCH and Darwin Plus, alongside presentations at relevant conferences and scientific forums.

Project related outputs

Key outputs of the project to date include:

Fieldwork dataset: Troop-level census and population estimates using sample-based observation.
Comparative site visits: Observational and knowledge-exchange visits to Trentham Monkey Forest to inform macaque welfare and management.
Public engagement: Participation in World Wildlife Day 2024, including interactive games, handouts, and poster displays.
Research That Benefits Gibraltar (RTBG) 2025 conference: Poster and project presentation.
Research That Benefits Gibraltar TV series, for the local GBC channel, sharing insights with the community.
Gibraltar Today, local radio interview