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*Field Methods in Primatology Crash Course*

Organization: Para La Tierra (www.paralatierra.org)

Location: Pilar, Paraguay

Time Frame: Rolling Applications

Dates: Jan 12th to Feb 2nd 2020

Credit: May be eligible for University Credit



The Field Methods in Primatology Crash Course is a 3-week comprehensive
introduction to field primatology with particular focus on the hooded
capuchin (Sapajus cay) in the Paraguayan Atlantic Forest and the
black-&-gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) in the humid Chaco and urban
environments. The course offers budding primatologists the perfect
opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a range of field techniques in
distinct environments. Paraguay is often overlooked in terms of
conservation and scientific research but is home to some of the world's
most endangered habitats.



The course is led by Fundacion Para La Tierra’s (PLT) primatologist Rebecca
Smith. Rebecca is the leading primatologist in Paraguay and is a PhD
candidate with the University of Aberdeen. She has extensive experience
working with primates in captive and wild settings across four countries
and has studied the hooded capuchin in the Paraguayan Atlantic Forest for
the past 5 years. She has published several papers on the behaviour of the
hooded capuchin, presented her research at 4 international conferences and
completed courses in the use of animals in research and primate
rehabilitation.



The course introduces students to primatology through lectures, field
exercises, discussion groups, active participation in Paraguay’s only
long-term primate field study, and independent research. The course begins
in the city of Pilar in Para La Tierra’s Centro IDEAL base. You will
participate in a series of workshops including primate taxonomy, study
design, primatology in Paraguay and Atlantic Forest conservation, as well
as be introduced to Pilar’s urban howler monkey population and learn a
variety of data collection techniques. You’ll travel to the Paraguayan
Atlantic Forest at San Rafael “National Park”, participating in the ongoing
long-term capuchin research project, while learning field skills including,
but not limited to, camera trapping, VHF telemetry and primate habituation
techniques. The final week is spent in Pilar and will include lecture and
practical work relating to distance sampling and census methods,
non-invasive biological sample collection, parasite analysis and social
network analysis. During the final four days you will use your newfound
skills to plan and carry out your own study on the urban howler monkeys,
before presenting your results to the group.



Fundación Para La Tierra is a conservation NGO focused on the conservation
of Paraguay’s endangered habitats through scientific research, community
engagement and environmental education. PLT runs the country’s only
long-term primate research project, and Paraguay’s first intensive
primatological field course.



*Qualifications/Experience*



This course is perfect for undergraduates who are thinking about a career
in primatology, tropical conservation or studying animal behaviour. You
must be at least 18 years old.



For more information and to apply send your CV and a cover letter to Karina
Atkinson at [log in to unmask] or visit our website at
https://www.paralatierra.org/fieldcourse. You’ll be notified by email
within a week if you’ve been selected for an interview.



*Tuition/Fees*



$1,995 for course tuition, three meals per day and an afternoon snack,
lodging at the Centro IDEAL and PRO COSARA research stations, course
materials and expert instruction. Airfares to Paraguay, travel insurance,
vaccinations and the hotel on the first night are not included. Partial
scholarships are available.



*Start and End dates.*



The course runs from January 12th to February 2nd, 2020. You must arrive in
Asuncion the day before the course starts. Applications are being
considered as they come in. There are only 5 spots remaining and we will
keep applications open until they are filled. We are accepting eligible
applications on a first come first serve basis.

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