PRIMATES

Primatology is the study of primates, specifically referring to analysing their behavioural, historical and medical attempt, whether it is in their natural habitats, in zoos, laboratories, sanctuaries or national parks.
 
Learn about the different types of primates and how to care for them in captivity or protect them in the wild.

This course has the following ten lessons:

1.Introduction to Primates –scope, nature, anatomy & physiology, evolution, taxonomy,
2. The Strepsirhines
3. The Haplorhimes
4. Diet and Nutrition re environment feed and supplements in a nature park environment
5. Health - Illness Pests and diseases specific to above
6. Primate Behaviour in the Wild
7. Psychological Well being in Primates in Captivity
8. Breeding programmes and optimum resources needed for this
9. Conservation in the wild -of individual breeds?
10. Managing primates in Captivity

Course Duration:  100 hours 

Course Aims

  • To understand the taxonomy, biology and management of primate animals both in captivity and the wild.
  • Discuss the nature and scope of our knowledge of primate animals.
  • Describe a variety of different species from the suborder Strepsirhini.
  • Describe a variety of different species from the suborder Haplorhini.
  • Explain the dietary requirements for different primates.
  • Explain the management of the physical wellbeing of primates.
  • Explain the psychology of primates and their natural behaviour.
  • Explain the management of the psychological wellbeing of primates in captivity.
  • Explain breeding programmes for managing the conservation of primates.
    Explain the conservation of a range of primates.
  • Explain the management of primates in captivity.

Why Primates Need our Help?

Up to a half of all primate species are endangered.

Wild primate populations are threatened by a range of things in the wild, including excessive exploitation (capturing for pet trade or research animals, hunting for bush meat or fur), and destruction of natural habitats, not to mention the other pressures such as ecotourism and disease.
The threats vary from species to species and place to place; and some species are under greater threat than others.

Unique Problems
There are factors that create added pressure on primates, that might not always be a factor with conservation of other types of animals; including:

  • Geography –Primates live mostly in poorer countries, where there is high demand on natural resources; and greater difficulty for governments to finance conservation. Primates often occupy valuable land, and can become a pest, taking crops and diminishing a farmers harvest.
  • Reproductive Patterns –Primates don’t tend to breed as rapidly as many other animals (eg. A chimpanzee produces a baby once every five years or so, and half tend to die within two years of birth.
  • Population Densities –Many primates live in relatively small groups, scattered over large areas; hence requiring much larger conservation areas to have a reasonable impact upon populations

This course helps you to understand the biology, taxonomy and management of primates; both in the wild and in captivity.