300595 VO Approaches on the behaviour of Neotropical primates (2008W)

The interest for studying the behaviour of Neotropical primates has grown in recent years. This group of primates lives in an arboreal habitat, possess relatively complex social systems, diversified diet, remarkable differences in body size and, in some species, a prehensile tail. This course is aimed at students interested at exploring the highly diversified and fascinating Neotropical primates (Platyrrhini). We will learn how to record their activities in the field, what they eat and their foraging behaviour, reproduction and social organization, main predators and their strategies to overcome or to avoid them. We will also invest some time in trying to understand their communication and cognition. At the end of the course participants will have a practical experience, using specific equipment and computer based programs, on how to record and analyze the calls of common marmosets.