[ Mantled Howler Monkey ]

[ Capuchin Monkey ]

Primate Behavioral Ecology
May 25th - June 19th, 2009

Course Description | [ Download Syllabus PDF ]

This course will cover the behavior and ecology of Old and New World Primates from an evolutionary perspective. Emphasis will be given to the two species present at Ometepe: white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) and mantled howling monkeys (Alouatta palliata). The course at Ometepe offers a wonderful opportunity to gain hands-on field experience in a truly extraordinary setting, surrounded by tropical forest, sandy beaches and looming volcanoes inhabited by a remarkable diversity of fauna and flora.

This is an intensive field course in primate behavior, and is equivalent to an upper-level undergraduate course. An enjoyment of highly physical outdoor adventures is a must! Many days are spent rising before dawn to get to the field to begin observations of howler monkeys or other field activities, eating lunch in the field, and returning mid-afternoon for a couple of hours to study/rest before dinner. Evenings are spent in classroom lectures and discussion. After the first week of the course, students will work with the instructor to develop an independent research project. After the project is approved, students collect a minimum of 25 hours data for their project.

The course is rigorous and, with the exception of a few excursions to other parts of the island, there isn't much 'free' time to explore Nicaragua. [I recommend staying a week after the course ends to see some of the country if you are interested in that.] You will be exposed to a broad spectrum of primate behavior, fieldwork in general, as well as field primatology…and come away with a more integrated and comprehensive perspective of primate behavioral research and conservation.

** If interested, please contact me directly at abigailderby@yahoo.com, or sign up online.