Field Projects International is examining sensory perception in neotropical primates, in part because they have an interesting sex- linked, color vision phenomenon. Excluding howler monkeys, male platyrrhines are all dichromatic, meaning they can discern only two wavelengths. On the other hand, about half of all the females have trichromatic vision. This phenomenon allows us to design experiments in the field that test what senses primates use to select ripe fruit. We would expect the dichromatic females to adopt similar foraging strategies as the males, but the trichromatic females should behave differently if variation in vision does in fact influence foraging efficiency. Confirming that these relationships do or do not exist in wild populations is just the tip of the iceberg for topics in sensory perception.
Research assistants will acquire much more knowledge on this interesting topic while learning how to carry out experiments on individually identifiable primate groups. At the end of this program, you will be able to: • Record focal behavioral data • Work with video recording equipment • Complete basic video edits • Understand relational databases • Perform basic behavioral data analyses • Recognize all 11 species of primate at our field site • Distinguish species-specific vocalizations • Gain a general knowledge about rainforest ecology PROGRAM DETAILS Start dates: Every Tuesday beginning June 7th until final start date of July 12, 2016 Minimum stay required: 4 weeks Application/fee deadline: April 17, 2016 Program fee: $450/week Program location: The Los Amigos Biological Field Station in Southeastern Peru LEARN MORE: You can get information on this as well as other research training programs at https://fieldprojects.org/research/sensory- experiments/ - All applications are accepted on a rolling basis. That means that it is advisable to apply immediately for these programs in order to guarantee a spot. - We strongly recommend that students also attend the short course in tropical field biology starting on May 20th, 2016 (https://fieldprojects.org/course/tropical-biology-and-primatology-may- 2016/). This course will provide students grounding in the natural history of the flora and fauna at this site. *If an RA takes the course in May, they get a $400 reduction in course cost. - Assistants will have the opportunity during days off to explore various attractions at the field site, such as climbing the canopy tower, assisting other research teams, looking for endangered giant river otters at a nearby oxbow lake, etc. ELIGIBILITY: We are currently recruiting participants with the following requirements: - Must be at least 18 years of age by the time the training program begins - Demonstrate a grounding or strong interest in physical anthropology, animal behavior, zoology, or psychology - Previous field experience is not required, but previous research experience (either outdoors or in the laboratory) will be a plus - Must be able to justify why this program is important to you and what you hope to gain from it - Able to provide a letter of recommendation from a source that can substantiate the your competency and any skills - Unafraid of insects, reptiles, and the jungle in general - Must be in good physical condition, with the capability to walk 4 miles a day while carrying field equipment - Participants will not be discriminated against for medical conditions they might have if we determine that being on this project will not pose an immediate risk to their health. - Willingness to adjust your schedule to primate daily activity patterns. This can require waking up early, sometimes by 5 am, and going to bed early. - Due to the nature of the work and weather constraints, participants MUST be willing to be flexible about their days off. Assistants will typically have one-two days off per week; however we cannot guarantee a set schedule and breaks are normally divided into half-days. - Participants must sign waivers of liability for this project and for the field station before their participation in the project is finalized
