Nighttime Niches: Foraging Ecology and Social Structure in a Nocturnal Primate
Follow the night trail to uncover how food shapes the social lives in a nocturnal primate.
Project description
This project investigates how nighttime foraging ecology shapes social structure in a focal nocturnal primate species. Using night follows, behavioral observations, and mapping of feeding sites, we will quantify diet, foraging effort, habitat use, and patterns of association among individuals. We will examine how resource distribution and seasonal variation influence grouping, spacing, and interaction rates. Findings will clarify ecological drivers of nocturnal primate sociality and inform conservation by identifying key habitat features that support stable populations.
Project outcome
- Student poster at a regional conference or at UB.
- Possible co-authorship on a scientific publication.
Project details
| Length of commitment | Longer than a semester (about 6-9 months) |
| Start time | Spring |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In-Person |
| Level of collaboration | Small group project (2-3 students) |
| Benefits | Stipend Potential Academic Credit |
| Who is eligible | Juniors and seniors who are:
Clear communicators, punctual, reliable, comfortable with international travel, and willing to work 6 hours through the night. |
Project mentor
Stephanie Poindexter
Assistant Professor
Anthropology
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.)
Preparation activities
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
Meet with Dr. Poindexter and complete the required reading list.
Keywords
anthropology, environment, sustainability, ecology, international, nocturnal, primatology, animal