Description

Travel to El Zota Biological Field Station in the heart of Costa Rica to learn about primate biology, behavior, natural history and ecology in a spectacular rainforest setting. Participate in ongoing monkey research alongside primatologists. Then assist local organizations with animal rehabilitation, reforestation, conservation and education efforts. The White-faced capuchins, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys and mantled howler monkeys need you. Through field exercises and service projects, your work here will promote primate survival in the New World and help mitigate the threats these monkeys face on a daily basis. Earn 3 Natural Science credits while earning over 20 hours of community service.

Day 1-3
Your exploration of New World monkeys, their natural habitats, the ecology of the region, as well as current approaches to research and conservation projects, begins in Costa Rica. Survey the things to come on a thrilling two-day rafting trip down the Pacuare River. Our adventure takes us through stunning canyons and lush lowland tropical rainforest, giving us our first glimpses of the ecosystems we will come to study and protect.

Day 4-9
El Zota Biological Field Station in northeast Costa Rica. This 2,500-acre reserve is where we set in to embark on our study of the rainforest and its primate inhabitants. The research station is home to white-faced capuchins, mantled howler monkeys and threatened black-handed spider monkeys. Begin with discussions on rainforest ecology and primate natural history, biology and behavior. Learn field research techniques. Then head out with naturalist guides to observe capuchins as they clamber through the trees or listen to the guttural howls of howler monkeys defending their turf. Explore a variety of habitats including lowland rainforest, lowland swamp forest, reforested areas, a small river and several freshwater lagoons. Through lecture, field work and group discussions, we begin to gain familiarity with the work of primatologists.

Day 10-16
A short flight takes us to the tropical Isla Colon in Panama's Caribbean archipelago. Here we examine threats to Central America's primates. Habitat destruction and fragmentation, development, domestication and poaching all contribute to the decline of healthy monkey populations in the region. We focus our discussions around ongoing efforts and potential strategies to counter and alleviate these pressing impacts. As our academic understanding of these amazing creatures progresses, we continue to expand our field studies. Search for monkeys and sloths in their beach and rainforest habitats and head out on an evening quest to spot an elusive owl monkey. Field exercises include primate identification, focal animal sampling, monitoring primate food resources, assessing primate habitat quality, and more.

Day 17-25
Travel to Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica's Pacific coast to observe squirrel monkeys. Working alongside local educational and conservation organizations, we put our newfound expertise and experience to use. Distribute educational materials about monkey and rainforest conservation to park visitors. By the end of this comprehensive and interactive course, we are able to relate the conservation threats facing primates in Central America to those faced by other animals in other ecosystems throughout the world. Not only do we understand these threats, we can apply our knowledge and research experience to help mitigate them.

Highlights

* Earn 10 hours of community service and 3 college Natural Science credits through Lesley University
* Study New World monkeys in their natural habitats
* Learn field research techniques
* Hands on primate rehabilitation work
* Reforestation and habitat conservation projects
* 2-day rafting trip down the thrilling Pacuare River

Travel Types

• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Hiking
• Nature Tours
• Rafting
• RainForest Tours
• Sailing
• Trekking
• Volunteering

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Animal Science
• Biology (general)
• Conservation And Preservation
• Ecology
• Field-study
• Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Cost in US$:

call for details

Experience Required

yes

• Minimum 18 years old
• High school Graduate
• High school or college Biology
• Minimum GPA: 2.50
• Completed at least one semester at college or graduated high school over a year ago

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of limited in size to between 10-16 students.

Scholarships are Available

Applications for next summer are due May 1. Scholarship awards will be made May 15th.

Application Process Involves

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-3 days

Year Founded

1993