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AFASST Course
to Ometepe Field Biological Station, Nicaragua to study ecology and behaviour of free-ranging primates
EARTHQUEST (Canada) now has an opportunity to journey to Nicaragua and learn how to study free-ranging primate species. We will only be offering One field course to Nicaragua in 2007/08. Our mission will be to travel to the Ometepe Biological Field Station located in Lake Nicaragua and study the ecology and behaviour of free-ranging primate species that live there. This intensive course covers the behavior and ecology of Old and New World primates from an evolutionary perspective. Emphasis will be given to the two species present at Ometepe: white faced capuchin: Cebus capucinus and mantled howling monkey (or howler), Alouatta palliata. The material and topics covered in this course are equivalent to an upper division university course in primate behavior and ecology. A background in biology or physical anthropology is helpful but not required. It is far more important to have a serious interest in learning about primates and a desire to do field work in a tropical rainforest.
Each day will consist of a combination of lectures, seminars and field work, but there will be also be opportunities to relax, take care of personal business (laundry, etc.) and explore the forest in small groups. Although the focus while in the field will be on primates and their immediate environment, other flora and fauna of interest will be pointed out and discussed as they are encountered. We will end the course with a consideration of studies of captive primates and information on the conservation of nonhuman primate populations. Classes will be supplemented by slides and videos.
Project team members will help track primates through the jungle and learn about them through direct observation. Please be advised that you must take the EARTHQUEST FASST Course for primate studies, first before you can qualify for this program. This course costs $699.00 US to take. Upon succesful completion of this course then you will be enrolled in the primate course in Nicaragua as your AFASST Course. Successful graduates of these courses will be eligible to apply to EARTHQUEST for internship and employment opportunities in primate field biology.
You can live the life of a Tropical Field Biologist/Primatologist
and study one of two monkey species below
| Explore trails | 
| Habitat mapping procedures |   |
Observational sampling techniques on primates |
| Red-eyed Frog |  |
| Concepcion Volcano, Ometepe Island | 
| Scientific Report Writing |  |
Study primate social organization and behaviour |
White-faced Capuchin
monkey (Photo: Chad Day) |  |
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Dates: Summer session #1: May 25 - June, 19, 2009; Summer session #2: June 22 - July 17, 2009; Summer session #3: July 20 - August 14, 2009
Costs: Summer sessions - $2449.00 USD
(Please note: Due to the nature of the program, all prices and program contents are subject to change without prior notice or approval).
Included in 26 day Course Costs:
 ..........Services of project staff
..........Certificate of completion
..........room and board (3 meals per day) at Ometepe field station
..........instruction
..........SCHEDULED transportation from near the airport in Managua, Nicaragua to Ometepe round trip
..........Course tuition
..........FASST Course tuition
Not Included in 26 day Course Costs:
..........Airport taxes and government departure taxes
..........Health or cancellation insurance
..........Beverages/liquor
..........Additional funds for souvenirs, extra food, etc.
..........Valid passport
..........Immunizations/vaccinations
..........Personal supplies (e.g. hiking boots, tents, clothing, etc.)
..........Round trip airfare to Managua, Nicaragua
..........Academic credit
To Register for the Course:
For 26 day course a non-refundable deposit of $699.00 US/person + $80.00 CAD registration fee is required to secure space. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure (postmarked by mail does not count). We recommend that you book early as spaces on teams fill quickly and are limited to 22 participants. Spaces are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis and fill quickly so we recommend that you apply ASAP. All tuition costs are NON-REFUNDABLE, but may be transferred to another year. Academic credit is available - please inquire for details.
For information on terms and conditions please click here.
For applications please click here. |
 E-mail: earthquestcanada@yahoo.com
Executive Director & Senior Instructor
D. Jolly, B.Sc.
EARTHQUEST (Canada) for the Environment
8122 Rogers Rd. S., RR #5
Aylmer, Ontario, Canada
N5H 2R4
Tel: 519-875-3340
©copyright EARTHQUEST (Canada) for the Environment
| Website designed and maintained by D. Jolly
Last Updated 21/11/08 | |
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EARTHQUEST (Canada) for the Environment
Ometepe Biological Field Station
