| Academics |
Course Description
This course explores new world primate biology and behavior as well as threats to primate conservation. During the initial phase of the course, students will survey the natural history, biology, ecology, and behavior of new world primates through lectures and group discussions. Additionally, field exercises will allow students to observe primates and gain familiarity with research methods used by primatologists. During the second phase of the course, lectures and class discussions will examine the conservation threats facing primates throughout the world and strategies to mitigate these threats. Field exercises will focus on obtaining the ecological data that is critical for primate conservation research. Students will also participate in service projects aimed at promoting primate survival in the New World. |
Course Objectives/Outcomes
- Learn research methods used by primatologist to understand primate behavior, ecology, and conservation.
- Explore the biology, behavior, natural history, and ecology of New World primates.
- Learn about the conservation threats to primates and strategies for mitigating these threats.
- Be able to relate the conservation threats facing primates in the New World to those faced by other animals in other ecosystems throughout the world.
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Lecture Topics
- Overview of Primates in the new world
- Rainforest Ecology I and Introduction to Primates
- Rainforest Ecology II and Ethograms
- New World Primates
- Feeding ecology and Ranging Behavior
- Social Behavior
- Introduction to Primate conservation
- Spider Monkeys
- Habitat Loss and fragmentation
- Extinction Biology
- Kids Saving the rainforest (guest lecture)
- Primate Conservation Strategies
- Primate Rehabilitation
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Field Studies and exercises
- Primate identification,
- Focal Animal Sampling
- Scan Sampling
- Line transects
- Monitoring primate food resources (Phrenology and plant diversity)
- Assessing Primate habitat quality
- Assessing Primate/vertebrate animal abundance (sweep and transect census)
- Primate Rehabilitation project
- Reforestation and habitat conservation project
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