Field Projects International launched the Community Disease Ecology program in 2012, and it is now one of the most comprehensive studies of gastrointestinal parasites in South America. We employ microscopic and genetic tools to evaluate parasite infections in non-invasively collected fecal samples. Using these samples, we can identify an individual primate, determine its sex, tell if it is sexually mature, assess its stress level, and describe its health status (particularly in terms of parasites and disease).
Since we are collecting samples from these primates consistently over time, we can also follow parasites and diseases as they spread through populations and possibly spill over between species. We additionally conduct population genetics on these monkeys, which – among other things – is a major tool for monitoring primate conservation status. With our baseline data on parasites from 11 primate species at the field station where we work, we can monitor if and how climate change may be altering parasite-host relationships. Those who join our field team on this project will help us continue important longitudinal data collection on the local primate assemblage, as well as usher in data from new taxonomic groups. Among the many questions we hope to tackle with these data, our foremost goal is to expose new ecological linkages between Neotropical animals. At the end of the program, research assistants will be able to: - Track primates by movement and vocalizations, as well as radio telemetry - Work off trail systems, and conduct full-day follows - Conduct behavioral observations on known-individuals (scan and focal animal sampling) - Record data on feeding ecology - Correctly sex individual primates - Collect GPS data on species movements to create a large, overarching primate movement database - Demonstrate proficiency in collecting and storing primate fecal samples in field conditions, including participating in downstream applications like endocrinology and parasite analyses - Input sample and movement information into databases for further analyses PROGRAM DATES FOR 2017: Session one: June 1st – July 1st Session two: June 16th – July 16th Session three: June 30th – July 30th Session four: July 14th – August 13th APPLICATION DEADLINE April 17, 2017, or until all program openings are full PROGRAM FEE Month-long program is $1800 (includes all lodging and food, as well as transportation from Puerto Maldonado to the field station and back). Add $450 for each additional week if desired. LEARN MORE http://fieldprojects.org/research/disease-ecology
