Students will learn how to practically positively field identify 15 - 20 behavioural repertoires of New &/or Old World primates in a cative setting. This course will
prepare students for any job that requires field studies of primates and is available as a correspondence
course. Graduates of this course have found meaningful employment with the La Suerte Field Biological Station, the University of Panama, and the International Primate Sanctuary of Panama.
Dates:May - October each year; please email us for more details on instructor availability and operating dates of the Pineridge Zoo.
History of the Canadian Primate FAT Program
The AFASST course has been used as the foundation for international research/conservation projects since 1996 when teams from Canada and the USA assisted with a preliminary biological inventory and field study on all primates, mammals and birds of Isla Tigre in the central Canal Zone of Panama. The primary focus of field research was to determine the most preferred food resources of endangered Panamanian tamarin (Saguinus geoffroyi) monkeys. Since then, the Isla Tigre site has been used to train Field Assistants. In 2001 EARTHQUEST began using the field sites provided the La Suerte Field Biological Station in Costa Rica and Nicaragua to train students in the art of field primatology.
Project Purpose: To learn how to collect data on captive primates utilizing behavioural observation sampling techniques for interpretation, analysis and measurement with the result of producing a research paper on some aspect of primate behaviour and ecology. Our primary mission while immersed in this course will be to fully document the complete behavioural repertoire of Old and New World primates within the confines of a captive environment. This will require students to possess skills in the identification of primate behaviours as well as the use of census/survey techniques.
The Project
Primates are known to harbor a great diversity of behaviours. Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) will be the Old World monkeys studied. The effect of observer(s) on the behaviour of captive primates will be the primary focus of study.
Educational Objectives
This project will provide you with a thorough introduction to field census/survey techniques as well as a brief introduction to the field Primatology. Since the interactive discussions (ie. lectures) are taught within the context of a field study, you will have the unusal beneficial opportunity to associate many concepts, theories and facts with direct observations. Some of the concepts that will be covered during the lectures and discussions are listed below.
Below is an outline of the topics we will attempt to cover over a series of 4 informal discussions.
Discussion #1: Safety and Orientation in the field
We would like all students to be aware of the potential dangers in the field so that risky situations may be reduced. We will show you how to identify snakes, spiders, and other arthropods to watch for at night and during the daylight hours, what to do in the event of getting lost or injured in the field as well as travel procedures.
Discussion #2: Behavioural Observational Sampling techniques; theory and methodology
The purpose behind collecting data on primates in the field, different observational sampling techniques; advantages and disadvantages are discussed.
Discussion #3: Rearing primates in island, semi-free ranging and captive environments
The effect of a primate's environment has an adverse affect on it's behaviour. These will be discussed in light of evolutionary theory.
Discussion #4: Effect of the Distribution and Abundance of food on primate social behaviour
How the distribution and abundance of food plays a factor on primate social hiearchy and behaviour is discussed.
Our goal with these discussions is to familiarize students with the practical applications of our field work at the site. We will spend the first week during the program learning the subjects covered in the discussions. The second half of the Expedition will be devoted to applying the knowledge and skill gained from the first half and the write up of the scientific paper. Discussions will be done after lunch on each work day with the exception of the orientation and safety discussion which will take place the morning of your second field day. If there are any discussion periods remaining after week 1 then they will be done every other day until they are completed.
Jobs for Students
Within the first week of the program students should focus their efforts on;
i) Learning how to identify primates well by sight and vocalization.
During the second week your focus should be;
i) Writing your scientific paper and analyzing/interpreting data.
Typical Day
A typical day in the field might resemble the schedule below, although it may vary to accommodate changes in weather, logistics, team member interests and other vagaries of field research. We will try to post a work schedule for each day of the Expedition. The following schedule will, however, give you a good basic outline of what to expect;
0800 Wake up
ii) Learning how to identify primate behaviour well to each behavioural category, etc.
iii) Learn the practical applications of the most pertinent census/survey techniques as they apply to primates. well.
0830 Breakfast. Prepare field equipment and notes for hiking
1000 Go to primate facility
1030 Start field work
1100 Break
1115 Continue with field work
1300 Lunch
1330 Discussion/lecture
1430 Continue field work
1530 Highlights of the day and finishing up
1600 Self-directed time (ie. study discussion/lecture material, read, bird watch, etc.)
| EARTHQUEST (Canada) for the Environment 8122 Rogers Rd. S., RR #5 Aylmer, Ontario, Canada N5H 2R4 e-mail: [email protected] �copyright EARTHQUEST (Canada) for the Environment | Website designed and maintained by Dave Jolly Last Updated 06/02/07 |
