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Day 1-3

A new way to study Primates.

Your exploration of New World monkeys, their natural habitats, the ecology of the region, as well as current approaches to research and conservation projects, begins in Costa Rica. Survey the things to come on a thrilling two-day rafting trip down the Pacuare River. Our adventure takes us through stunning canyons and lush lowland tropical rainforest, giving us our first glimpses of the ecosystems we will come to study and protect.

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Day 4-9

You are an official researcher-in-training.

El Zota Biological Field Station in northeast Costa Rica. This 2,500-acre reserve is where we set in to embark on our study of the rainforest and its primate inhabitants. The research station is home to white-faced capuchins, mantled howler monkeys and threatened black-handed spider monkeys. Begin with discussions on rainforest ecology and primate natural history, biology and behavior. Learn field research techniques. Then head out with naturalist guides to observe capuchins as they clamber through the trees or listen to the guttural howls of howler monkeys defending their turf. Explore a variety of habitats including lowland rainforest, lowland swamp forest, reforested areas, a small river and several freshwater lagoons. Through lecture, field work and group discussions, we begin to gain familiarity with the work of primatologists.

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Day 10-16

Head out in the field.

A short flight takes us to the tropical Isla Colon in Panama's Caribbean archipelago. Here we examine threats to Central America’s primates. Habitat destruction and fragmentation, development, domestication and poaching all contribute to the decline of healthy monkey populations in the region. We focus our discussions around ongoing efforts and potential strategies to counter and alleviate these pressing impacts. As our academic understanding of these amazing creatures progresses, we continue to expand our field studies. Search for monkeys and sloths in their beach and rainforest habitats and head out on an evening quest to spot an elusive owl monkey. Field exercises include primate identification, focal animal sampling, monitoring primate food resources, assessing primate habitat quality, and more.

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Day 17-25

Conservation. Reforestation. Rehabilitation.

Travel to Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast to observe squirrel monkeys. Working alongside local educational and conservation organizations, we put our newfound expertise and experience to use. Distribute educational materials about monkey and rainforest conservation to park visitors. By the end of this comprehensive and interactive course, we are able to relate the conservation threats facing primates in Central America to those faced by other animals in other ecosystems throughout the world. Not only do we understand these threats, we can apply our knowledge and research experience to help mitigate them.