Unit 11
Primate Conservation

In this unit, we examine the status of primate conservation around the world. We begin by looking at the categories that species fall in depending on their role in a given ecosystem, which in turn provides researchers with an idea of the kind of impact that threats to particular species might have on an ecosystem. We then examine the different kinds of threats to primates, paying special attention to habitat disturbances and hunting pressures. Finally, we present some of the conservation strategies currently in place to mitigate these threats to primates, and we briefly examine their efficacy.

Objectives

When you have completed Unit 11, you should be able to

1. define the four species types in an ecosystem and identify those to which primates belong.
2. list the various types of habitat disturbances and hunting pressures that are threats to primate species.
3. discuss the effects of different types of logging practices on local primate populations.
4. discuss the variable effects of hunting on local primate populations.
5. discuss the challenges and benefits of conservation policies that incorporate economic incentives and education.
6. define NGOs and explain their role in conservation strategies.
7. explain how various types of research have contributed to our understanding of primates and our efforts to conserve them.
8. explain how an animal’s body size, range, and life history are key factors in its survival.
9. discuss the effectiveness of translocation and rehabilitation as primate conservation tools.

Viewing Assignments

In preparation for the final examination, you must watch at least four videos of the five options listed in Units 6 through 11. Each unit gives you two video options, so that by the end of Unit 11 you should have watched four videos from these five options:

The New Chimpanzees or Nut-Cracking Chimpanzees of the Tai Forest
Family of Chimps or Primate/Human Interactions
Can Chimpanzees Talk or Ape Genius
Gremlins: Faces in the Forest or 3 Monkeys
The Rain Forest Imperative or Gorillas in the Midst of Man

It does not matter the order in which you watch your video options, but the viewing assignments for each unit offer you a guide. Remember, completing a viewing assignment differs from watching a video for pleasure. You should consider watching each video twice: once to get an overview, and once to make notes. Study questions or instructions for viewing are supplied for each video; be certain that you read them over before you begin watching, and keep them in mind as you complete the assignment and make your notes.

Unit 11 Viewing Assignment

Watch one of the videos listed below.

The Rain Forest Imperative.
1991  Bill Kurtis, dir. 25 min. Washington: Conservation
International.

This video provides a general look at the problems in primate conservation, with an emphasis on the situation in Brazil. It explores the problems of primate conservation and potential solutions to those problems.

1. What is the major threat to primate populations in Brazil?
2. What are the causes of deforestation in Brazil? For what is the land used?
3. Why is Brazil a major focus of primate conservation?
4. What economic factors lead to deforestation?
5. How can the use of natural products from the forest help prevent deforestation?
6. How does mining affect local environments?

or

Gorillas in the Midst of Man.
1989  British Broadcasting Corporation and WNET-13
New York. 50 min, Etobicoke, ON: International Tele-Film.

This video is a general study of the mountain gorilla, and a detailed look at the efforts being made to protect the remaining population from human encroachment and other threats to their survival.

If you choose this video, then in preparation for the examination, be certain that you can answer the questions given below.

1. Describe the general diet, social behaviours, and social organization of the mountain gorilla.
2. What are the major problems facing gorilla conservation in Rwanda?
3. How can a balance be struck between human needs and gorilla conservation?
4. What are the human and natural threats to the mountain gorilla population?
5. How can the studies of other species in the park help in gorilla conservation?

Alternative Reading Assignment

If you cannot complete the viewing assignment before the final examination, you must do the alternative reading assignment instead. You may combine the reading with viewing assignments so that you have a total of four video and reading combinations. For example, you can watch three videos and do one reading assignment for the final examination. Or, if you cannot watch any videos, then you must complete four reading assignments from the five options presented in Units 6-11. The reading materials can be ordered from the library. Be sure you can answer the questions below each assignment.

Unit 11 Alternative Reading Assignment

If you cannot complete the viewing assignment, you must do the alternative assignment below.

Wright, Patricia, and Jukka Jernvall
1999  The Future of Primate Communities: A Reflection of
the Present? In Primate Communities. J. G. Fleagle,
C. H. Janson, and K. Reed, eds. Pp. 295-309. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press.

In preparation for the examination, be certain that you can answer the questions given below.

1. What are the greatest threats to primate populations?
2. How does geographic range affect the risk of primate extinction?
3. What other factors have a differential effect on the possible extinction of primate species?