Project description
Investigating the cognitive abilities of crocodiles
Crocodiles are powerful predators with notable cognitive abilities, such as rapid learning and strong memory, but research on these traits is limited. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the EvOCRO project will study cognitive plasticity in crocodiles across life stages, considering individual differences and comparisons with other species. Using reptiles as a novel model, it integrates behavioural ecology, comparative psychology, animal cognition, and evolutionary biology to provide a comprehensive understanding of crocodile cognition in collaboration with Mexican research institutions.
Objective
Crocodiles, known to be dangerous predators with powerful jaws and agile inhabitants of aquatic environments, may hide surprisingly high cognitive abilities.
Previous studies have revealed that crocodiles can learn quickly and have effective short-term memory, strong spatial memory and cognitive flexibility in communication. However, these insights remain sporadic, hampered by the logistical challenges of their remote habitats, financial constraints, and less public and scientific interest than more charismatic species.
With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, EvOCRO aims to change the game by proposing these reptiles as a non-traditional model species to explore their cognitive abilities in more detail. This project seeks to understand the evolution of cognitive plasticity by studying crocodile cognition at different life stages, considering individual differences and comparing it with other species.
By integrating methodologies from behavioural ecology, comparative psychology, animal cognition and evolutionary biology, EvOCRO will provide a holistic understanding of crocodile cognition.
The project involves a major collaboration with Mexican research institutions, leading to an interdisciplinary approach to advance scientific knowledge and real-world applications in conservation strategies and animal welfare.
Among the key aspects of EvOCRO we find not only the communication of results through publications and conferences to involve the scientific community but also the participation in public awareness events and conferences to engage and educate the wider community.
EvOCRO sheds light on the cognitive abilities of crocodiles, aiming to provide valuable insights into cognitive evolution and inform conservation efforts by highlighting the importance, impact and timeliness of this research.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences ecology
- natural sciences biological sciences biological behavioural sciences behavioural ecology
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
CM1 1SQ Chelmsford
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.