Evolution and taxonomy
The evolution, phylogeny and zoogeography of primates. Status of wild populations and global conservation. The management of temporary and permanent captive populations (European and worldwide) and the impact this has on wild populations.

Wild and Captive behaviours
The evolution of wild behaviour, behavioural ecology (sociobiology and socioecology), primate social structures and the factors which influence them. The interferences that field studies have on wild behaviours. Identifying species typical behaviours and the occurrence of abnormal behaviours in captivity. Ethics and reasons for keeping primates in captivity.

Enclosure design and enrichment
Evaluation and justification of improvements for current primate enclosures. Design of captive primate environments. The four primary categories of environmental enrichment (novel, social, food and olfactory). Training (formal and informal) and how it plays a vital role in primate management.

Husbandry and management techniques
Nutrition and how captive diets have changed digestive physiology, transport, identification/marking techniques, handling and restraint, primate health with specific reference to zoonosis. Reproduction and hand-rearing (techniques and ethics – red-faced spider monkey and Francois Langur as case studies).

Each student is to produce a case study of the natural history and captive management of a named primate species.

There will be a single assessment in two parts:

Part 1 (40% weighting) A 12 minute (+5-minute Q & A) presentation to peers and tutors analysing the specific adaptations of a named species of primate and a comparison of its wild and captive behaviours (LO’s 1 and 2) The presentation will be video recorded for evaluation and validation purposes.

Part 2 (60% weighting) A 2500 word report detailing the captive management of a named species of primate (LO’s 3 and 4).
Part 2 is the final assessment

Dixon, A. F. (2013) Primate Sexuality: Comparative Studies of the Prosimians, Monkeys, Apes, and Humans. Oxford University Press.
Hosey G, Pankhurst S, & Melfi, V (2013) Zoo Animals: Behaviour, Management and Welfare. Oxford University Press
Liebal, K. et al. (2013) Primate Communication: A Multimodal Approach. Cambridge University Press.
Ruivo, EB (2010) EAZA Husbandry Guidelines for Callitrichids. Published by Beauval Zoo (Available as pdf for all students)
Strier, K (2010) Primate Behavioural Ecology. Pearson
Wolfensohn, S. Honess. P (2005) Handbook of Primate Care and Management. Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Group teaching rooms
Internet linked PCs
Learning resource centre
Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle)
Flip cameras
Video and screen capture software

1. Analyse and critically evaluate the specific anatomical and physiological adaptations of a named primate species. (Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Analysis).
2. Compare, contrast and communicate intraspecific and interspecific primate behaviours in a range of wild and captive situations for a named primate species. (Enquiry, Communication).
3. Evaluate, critically review and reflect upon a range of primate management techniques. (Enquiry, Problem Solving, Reflection).
4. Reflect upon and apply an understanding of how to meet the physical and psychological behavioural needs of primates in a captive environment to produce a suitable husbandry and management strategy for a named species of primate. (Application, Reflection).

"This module will be delivered via classroom sessions that will deliver theory via a wide range of methods such as traditional lectures, group activities, guest speakers, individual tasks, questioning, role play, modelling, kinaesthetic activities, short research tasks and tutorials to develop underpinning knowledge and understanding and practical primate husbandry sessions..

On top of this it is expected that students will partake in independent learning for this module. This will include, but is not limited to, preparation for classroom sessions, extending classroom notes via extended reading and research, completion of tasks leading from classroom sessions and VLE based tasks and research, planning and production of assignments.

Students will have access to an appropriate virtual learning environment (VLE) where they can access a range of sources to support their studies through this module.

"