Louise Ducroix

I'm a behavioral ecologist with a particular interest in primate reproductive strategies. In recent fieldwork, I have devoted much of my time to collecting and analyzing ecological and behavioral data on great apes, notably bonobos in the Democratic Republic of Congo and chimpanzees in Gabon. My current research focuses on the interactions between the health, reproduction and behavior of female mandrills in their natural environment in the Lékédi Park, Gabon (Mandrillus project).

In my thesis, I aim to examine the causes and consequences of menstrual cycle variability on reproductive and sexual functioning in female mandrills. My main objectives are:

1 Describe the characteristics of the ovarian cycle in order to study potential variations within the various cycle parameters at inter- and intra-individual level.

2 Determine the underlying mechanisms responsible for ovarian cycle variations and understand their causes. Verify whether socio-ecological factors influence ovarian function.

3. determine the impact of cycle variations on the reproductive success of females at different levels, and assess whether ovarian function is regulated in such a way as to optimize current and future reproductive investments.

To achieve these objectives, we will collect behavioral data and non-invasive biological samples in the field. In the laboratory, we will carry out parasitological and endocrinological analyses.

Studying the evolutionary origins and variations of the menstrual cycle in different primate species can provide valuable information on the evolution of reproductive strategies and adaptations in primates. This information will be useful for species management and conservation, but could also contribute to our understanding and improvement of reproductive health in humans and other primates.