Para La Tierra’s Primatology and Conservation Online course will provide you with a broad understanding of the order primates and primate behaviour, an introduction to different field techniques and how they can be applied to different studies, how to design a successful field project, and different aspects of primate conservation.

The course consists of four modules, taught through video lectures that you can work through at your own pace. Each module has a recommended reading list and includes a short exam to evaluate progress.

Module 1: INTRODUCTION TO PRIMATES

This module focuses on primate taxonomy: From great apes to leaping lemurs, primates are spread across the tropics of the world. Before we dive into ecology and behaviour of individual species, we’ll examine what makes primates so special. On completion, you’ll understand what sets them apart from other mammals and the incredible diversity within this order. Be inspired to consider a career in primatology.

Lecture 1 – Primate taxonomy

Lecture 2 – Apes

Lecture 3 – Asian and African monkeys

Lecture 4 – Central and South American monkeys

Lecture 5 – Strepsirrhines

Module 2: PRIMATE BEHAVIOUR AND ETHOLOGY

Our shared ancestry with primates makes it easy for us to connect with their expressive faces. But are our empathetic reactions misleading? Could a grimace be mistaken for a smile? This module looks at the behavioural plasticity of primates, their social systems, feeding strategies, reproductive behaviour and paternal care. By the end of this module, you might not speak ‘monkey’, but you’ll certainly understand it!

Lecture 1 – Primate sociality

Lecture 2 – Primate diets

Lecture 3 – Social learning and culture

Lecture 4 – Primate communication

Lecture 5 – Population biology

Lecture 6 – Community ecology

Module 3: FIELD RESEARCH STUDIES

To really understand primates, their behaviour and ecology, and the papers published on them, you need a firm grasp of the methods used to collect data on this fascinating group. This module lets you choose your own study topic, design a methodology, and then write your hypothesis for what you think you would find.

If you fall in love with your topic, why not sign up for the PLT primatology field course or a primatology internship, and get into the forest with Rebecca Smith?

Lecture 1 – Designing a behavioural study

Lecture 2 – Primate home ranges

Lecture 3 – Census and survey methods

Lecture 4 – Non-invasive biological sampling

Lecture 5 – Field experiments

Lecture 6 – Habitat surveys

Module 4: PRIMATE CONSERVATION

Palm oil. Deforestation. The bushmeat and pet trades. What can conservationists do to combat the myriad of problems facing wild primates as we work to save species across the planet? 60% of primate species are threatened with extinction, and that number is increasing. In this module, we'll focus not just on the threats, but also the amazing initiatives led by inspiring primatologists to protect primates and their habitats. If we can work on these solutions together, we will have the chance to save these species.

Lecture 1 – Ethnoprimatology and ethic

Lecture 2 – Environmental education in primatology

Lecture 3 – Primates in trade

Lecture 4 – In-situ and ex-situ conservation

Dr. Rebecca Smith

PARA LA TIERRA’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PRIMATOLOGIST, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER

“There’s something magical about being in the field, sitting on the forest floor, witnessing the behaviour of a wild primate, potentially a behaviour that no one has observed before. In those moments, I know I’m in the right place, doing the right thing. Through this course, I want to share with you the beautiful world of primates. Hopefully you’ll join me in my fight to protect these vulnerable species.”

• Access to our online course materials

• Course evaluations

• One-to-one live sessions with course instructor

• Access to the primatology student forum

• Certificate and transcripts on completion

• Professional reference on request on completion