Instructor: Dr. François Larose Department of Anthropology University of Alberta Edmonton, AB T6G 2H4 Canada Phone: (780) 433-7594 E-mail:flarose@planet.eon.net

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to basic field methods and important theoretical concepts in primate behavior and ecology. In addition, students will learn how to solve common problems associated with working in tropical forest ecosystems. The course consists of daily lectures/seminars, student presentations, field exercises, and individual research projects. This course is equivalent to an upper level university course.

Lectures/Readings

Lectures will be held daily during the first half of the course and seminars (group discussion) will be held every other day during the second half of the course. Students will be responsible for directing at least one of the discussions during the seminars based on the assigned readings.

Required Textbooks:

• Martin, P. and Bateson, P. 1994. Measuring Behavior: An Introductory Guide. Cambridge University Press, New York. ISBN 0-521-44614 7 (paperback).
• Sussman, R.W. 2000. Primate Ecology and Social Structure: Vol. 2:New World Monkeys. ISBN 0-536-60265-4 paperback. This has to be ordered directly from the publisher. Make sure to order early as it may take 4 to 6 weeks to receive it. If you live in CANADA, order the book at this number: 1-800-387-8028 If you live in the U.S., order the book at this number:1-800-282-0693.
• Students will also be asked to bring one recent scientific paper on a topic of their choice related to any aspect of primate behavior and/or ecology.

Suggested Supplemental Readings:

Prior to coming to the field, students are encouraged to read the following book: Kricher, J. 1997. A Neotropical Companion. Princeton University Press, New Jersey. ISBN 0-691-04433-3.

During the first half of the course, students will be introduced to the basic field techniques and learn how to collect, analyze, interpret and present the data. A different field exercise will be practiced daily as well as analyses and presentation of the data collected. Students will learn the following field techniques:

• Site mapping and resource distribution mapping
• Habitat description (forest profiles: tree height, crown volume, DBH)
• Plant identification, phenological patterns and tree productivity
• Primate behavioral sampling techniques
• Primate demographic census

Under the supervision of the instructor, each student will be expected to carry out an individual research projects on a topic of their choice. However, topics will have to be approved by the instructor prior to carrying out the research. Students will be required to write a research proposal, collect and analyze their data, write up their findings and present their results to the class.

Grades

Two grades will be assigned for this course. The first grade will be assigned for the daily field exercises, one oral presentation consisting of summarizing a research paper, and one written exam based on the lectures and readings. The second grade will be based on the write up of the research proposal, the data collection and analysis of the data, the write up of their findings and the oral presentation of their results to the class.

Tentative Course Schedule

• Day 1 Arrive at the station via flight from Panama City.
• Day 2-3 Orientation with the station and trail system. Lectures begin.
• Day 4-10 Start of field exercises, writing up of research proposals. Lectures continue.
• Day 11-12 Written Exam. Possible Optional Field Trip.
• Day 13-23 Start of individual research projects. Discussion seminars every other day.
• Day 24-26 Analysis and write-up of individual research, lectures.
• Day 27 Oral presentation of Individual research projects and final fiesta.
• Day 28 Preparation for the Return Home.

Formal Lecture Topics

• Primate Taxonomy and Distribution
• Ecological Principles
• Feeding Adaptations and Foraging Strategies
• Reproductive Strategies and Sexual Selection
• Intraspecific and Interspecific Competition
• Social Organization and Ranging Patterns
• Primates as Members of Tropical Rain Forest Communities
• Primate Conservation

Last Update:12 December, 2002