Research Objective

(1) Determining the flying area of the colony by GPS / GMS transmitters and observations

(2) Monitoring the physiological condition of the animals in relation to external (i.e. season and social status) and internal factors (i.e. sex and age) through regular collection of blood and faecal samples;

(3) Collecting additional information about the social rank and the social network by classical behavioural observations.

Research Questions

The integrative data set obtained should address the following research questions: Are there any individual or group-related patterns in relation to the flying area? Is there a relationship between flying behaviour and physiological parameters?

Methods

Five educational institutions from the region Almtal (district Gmunden) are involved in the project: 2 kindergartens, 2 primary schools, 1 secondary school and 1 upper school. Upon past experience, the scientific aspects of the project are going to be presented playful yet well-documented to the young children (kindergartens, primary school). The pupils will regularly participate and fulfil different tasks according to their age as well as to the seasonal relevance of the scientific work and in agreement with the participating teachers and educators.

In general, the present project provides a valuable opportunity to involve students, pupils and children in basic research, showing them closely that this is a prerequisite for all other applied research approaches.