Field Methods in Primatology

Credit: 2.0 Hours

Led by Dr. Stepahnie Poindexter during the winter session, students participating in the course will learn a variety of field primatology methods while working with endangered lemurs living in a naturalistic habitat in central Florida. Here, lemurs move through the forest, choosing what to eat, where to travel, and with whom to associate – much as they would in their native habitat of Madagascar. By the end of the course students will have first-hand experience in primatological research, the theory behind it, and its practical applications. 

On-site observation will occur during a seven-day period at the Lemur Conservation Foundation located in Myakka City, FL, about 40 minutes from Sarasota, FL.

Students are provided accomodation located on the premises of the Lemur Conservation Foundation for the duration of the on-site experience.

Students will participate in various primate observation learning modules covering topics such as primate identification and diets, sample collection, radio telemetry, scan sampling and geographic information systems (GIS), spatial ecology and data recording.

Students must purchase the following materials for the course:

• Primate Behavior: An Exercise Workbook , 3^rd Edition,  J. Teichroeb, L. Corewyn, & J. D. Paterson,  ISBN13: 978-1478640097
• A 1" 3-ring binder to hold data sheets, a detailed course schedule and other informational handouts provided by the instructor

Students may anticipate the following course fees billed through their student account:

• UB Winter session tuition and univesity fees for 2 credit hours
• Mandatory course fee for housing, food, transportation and modules at the field site [Fee TBD]

In addition, students are responsible for thier individual airfare to/from Florida, travel insurance and one hotel night in Sarasota, FL (if applicable).

Next offering: Winter 2027.