APY 390
Field Methods in Primatology
Study primates in the field
Spend your winter session observing endangered lemurs in a naturalistic habitat in central Florida. In "APY 390: Field Methods in Primatology," you will learn how primatologists study animal behavior while gaining hands-on experience with research methods used in the field. Working alongside faculty and conservation professionals, you will observe lemurs, collect data and explore the connections between research, conservation and animal behavior.
Next offering: Winter 2027
Led by Dr. Stephanie Poindexter, this immersive field experience introduces students to the methods and tools used in primatology research. During the course, you will work with endangered lemurs living in a forested environment designed to reflect their native habitat in Madagascar.
You will learn how to:
- Identify individual primates and recognize behavioral patterns
- Observe feeding behavior, movement and social interactions
- Collect and record behavioral data
- Use scan sampling and other observational research methods
- Explore radio telemetry techniques
- Learn how geographic information systems (GIS) support wildlife research
- Investigate questions related to spatial ecology and conservation
- Connect field observations to broader research and conservation goals
By the end of the course, you will have firsthand experience conducting primatological research and understanding how field methods contribute to wildlife conservation.
Fieldwork takes place during a seven-day on-site experience at the Lemur Conservation Foundation in Myakka City, Florida, approximately 40 minutes from Sarasota.
The foundation provides a unique opportunity to observe endangered lemurs living in a large naturalistic habitat. Rather than viewing animals in traditional zoo settings, students observe lemurs as they move through the forest, choose food sources and interact with other members of their groups.
Students stay on-site at the Lemur Conservation Foundation throughout the field experience.
Each day combines observation, data collection and discussion.
Activities may include:
- Primate identification exercises
- Behavioral observation sessions
- Data collection and recording
- Sample collection techniques
- Radio telemetry activities
- GIS and spatial ecology exercises
- Discussions about primate behavior and conservation
- Reflection on research findings and field methods
Students should plan for the following expenses:
Billed through UB
- Winter Session tuition and university fees for two credits
- Mandatory course fee covering housing, meals, transportation and field modules at the Lemur Conservation Foundation (fee to be determined)
Student responsibilities
- Round-trip airfare to and from Florida
- Travel insurance
- One hotel night in Sarasota, if required based on travel schedules
Required textbook
- "Primate Behavior: An Exercise Workbook" (3rd Edition) by J. Teichroeb, L. Corewyn and J.D. Paterson, ISBN: 978-1478640097
Additional materials
- One 1-inch three-ring binder for data sheets, schedules and course materials provided by the instructor
If you are interested in animal behavior, conservation, evolution or field research, Field Methods in Primatology offers a rare opportunity to learn research methods while working with endangered lemurs in a real-world conservation setting.
