NMSU Anth 497/506 Belize Field School on Primate Behavior and Ecology 2011.mov

Between March 18 and 27 2011, the New Mexico State University Primate Behavior Field School went to Belize to study the black howler Alouatta pigra and the black handed spider monkey Ateles geoffroyi. We studied howlers at three field sites, the Baboon Community Center, La Milpa and Lamanai, observing differences in population density and how it affected group composition and territorial behaviors, including frequency and duration of howling. We had a chance to observe interactions between group members and lots of feeding and resting behavior for this folivorous primate. At one site, La Milpa, the howlers coexist with the spider monkey. Behavioral comparison between the two species and interactions between them were made. We feel very lucky to have witnessed the fission fusion social group dynamics of the spider monkey because we were able to locate their noctunal resting place where approximately 22 members of the group gather, as well as small foraging groups during the day. We also saw the spider monkeys displace the howlers from their feeding and resting tree. Overall it was a short but awesome experience. Now that students have observed the monkeys themselves they have many questions about their behavior and were anxious to reread the many papers on the howlers and spider monkeys that we read and discussed in class before our trip. They will also be analyzing the audio and recordings they made in the field. Many thanks to the graduate students Stephane, Irisa, and Luis; undergraduate students Robin, Tiffany, Jessica, Ben, Marisol and Chris; our Belizean student Alex, and our one dual credit high school student Fiona for being serious minded and dedicated about observing primates in the field. We also thank our guides Emil, Robert, Melvis, and Ed, as well as to Kristi and Kimo for making all the arrangements - as well as to Daniel for making this documentary.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• howler monkeys
• spider monkeys
• Belize
• NMSU

[MasterStryfe]

Cool trip!!!