Bio-diversity, Conservation and Primatology

Objectives

This course attempts to review scientific knowledge about the diversity and conservation of non-human primates. We will visit the variety of non-human primate species, their distribution, ecology and conservation status. We will also visit and discuss the problem of reduction of biodiversity, the questions and topics associated, especially applied to the primates. We will also explore the methodologies and scientifics tools available for the study of primates and their conservation.

General characterization

Code

722170091

Credits

10

Responsible teacher

Available soon

Hours

Weekly - 3 letivas + 1 tutorial

Total - Available soon

Teaching language

Portuguese

Prerequisites

None.

Bibliography

Caldecott, J, Miles, L (eds) 2005. World Atlas of Great Apes and their Conservation. Prepared at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Berkeley, University of California Press.
Campbell, C, Fuentes, A, MacKinnon, K, Panger, M, Beader, S (eds) 2007. Primates in Perspective. NY, Oxford, Oxford University Press
Cowlishaw, G, Dunbar, R 2000. Primate Conservation Biology. Chicago, The University of Chicago Press.
Feinsinger, P 2001. Designing Field Studies for Biodiversity Conservation. The Nature Conservancy, Island Press.
Fuentes, A, Wolfe, L(eds) 2002. Primates face to face: the conservation implications of human-nonhuman primate interconnections. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press
Groves, C 2001. Primate Taxonomy. Washington DC, Smithsonian Institution Press
Kormos, R, Boesch, C (eds) 2003. IUCN/SSC Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan for the Western Chimpanzee. IUCN Gland, Switzerland Rowe, N 1999. The pictorial guide to the living primates. NY, Pogonias Press

Teaching method

The course will include lectures, but also dicussion with the students of some topics and research articles.
Some classes will also include the watching of scientific documentaries with recent research and inovative methodologies.
The final grade will be based on a term paper (essay) on a unique topic, which will entail literature search and retrieval. Students should also submit, before the term paper, the planning of the essay.

Evaluation method

Evaluation will be based on the following criteria;
1) Participation on the class discussions
2) Project of the final essay and its oral presentation
3) Final essay.

Subject matter

Concepts in biodiversity and nature conservation.
Distribution, Abundance and Ecology.
Conservation status of Primates.
Threats to primate survival.
Conservation strategies.
Studies and methodological tools for evaluating tropical forest biodiversity.
Behavioural research applied to Primate Conservation.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: