Folia Primatologica最新文献

Primate males normally protect reproductive females, genetic offspring, and other relatives from external threats. Nevertheless, male protection of group members other than the above individuals is widely reported. Here, we show qualitative data on a silverback's charging behaviors toward human observers (predator surrogates) to protect group members having various age-sex and kinship traits in a group of wild western gorillas containing one reproductive male. We observed 106 and 33 charging behaviors by the leading silverback in two separate study periods. Two natal infants were often involved in his protective charging. Further, the silverback provided protection services to reproductive females. Surprisingly, immigrant individuals (i.e., unrelated to the silverback), including a wide range of age-sex classes, were also protected multiple times. His protection services for natal infants and adult females can be interpreted as a form of parenting effort and mating effort, respectively. Further, those for some immigrant immatures accompanied by their mothers can be considered part of mating effort, advertising his quality as a mate to the mothers. Finally, his charging behaviors to protect immigrant young males, who could be reproductive threats to him, may be due to group augmentation benefits. That is, the recruitment of additional males in exchange for protection services would improve the ability of group defense. Protection services of the leading silverback in the one-male group of western gorillas, in which members of various age-sex classes and kinship traits coexist, could be interpreted by some existing functional explanations.

Environmental education aims to foster knowledge, awareness, and appreciation for nature and can encompass various formats, including festivals. The traveling festival "Changos y Monos va a tu comunidad" is inspired by previous initiatives and aims to promote the conservation of primates in southeast Mexico. The festival involved focused activities, mainly for children, such as talks, games, and exhibitions. It has been held on ten occasions, reaching approximately 700 people from nine localities. Unlike other events, its execution does not require a large budget due to the short duration, the use of small spaces, and because it can be conducted in parallel with field research, which has facilitated its funding. Although no systematic evaluation of the impact of this initiative has been conducted, it is evident that the festival gained notoriety among people in various locations in the region, suggesting "Changos y Monos va a tu comunidad" represents a significant contribution to the conservation of wild Mexican primates.

Conservation education as a key element in fighting species extinction. One of the key objectives of environmental education is to promote pro-environmental behaviours; increasing knowledge and understanding are the first steps. An understanding of the forest and its links to human and wildlife health is essential to foster forest protection. We used NVivo 12 to evaluate a conservation education program based around the Sebangau National Park, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Two age groups were evaluated 7-10 years old (37 children) and 11-13 years old (35 children) in 2 sessions conducted approximately 9 months apart. We asked students to write an essay about their knowledge of the forest. Over the 9 months, children increased their use of words accurately associated with BNF activities (0 to 4%), conservation actions (0 to 2%) and forest threats (2 to 12%) as well as expressing more of an emotional connection to the forest and wildlife (0 to 5%). Children who had joined the club for >12 months showed an increase in knowledge about forest characteristics (25 to 30%) and wildlife species names (43 to 55%). While we can demonstrate clear awareness increase on environmental issues, changing mind-sets, attitudes and behaviours does require an in-depth vital experience. We strongly believe that non-formal education is a key complementary tool to inspire new generations to take action towards conservation and sustainable development.

Cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) are a critically endangered primate found only in Colombia. Proyecto Tití has been leading conservation efforts in Colombia and has developed successful conservation education programs that engage communities in activities that promote the long-term survival of cotton-top tamarins. TITIRITIANDO is an educational theatrical program that introduces children to cotton-top tamarins and the challenges they face in the illegal pet trade. We presented this program to 4018 elementary school children to determine if using puppets and interactive messaging created an emotional connection between children and cotton-top tamarins that inspired them to engage in actions that aid cotton-top tamarin conservation. Pre- and post-test evaluations were conducted on 1917 students. Pre-surveys found 34% of the children were unable to identify at least one action to help cotton-top tamarins. Following the program students could on average identify at least 3 actions that positively impacted cotton-top tamarins with "not having a cotton-top tamarin as a pet" (75%) as the most frequently sited response. Misconceptions regarding the health and wellbeing of pet cotton-top tamarins was evident with 20% of the students believing that animals were well cared for and had a better life living with people than in the forest. Following the program, students were able to understand and empathize with pet cotton-top tamarins and on average could identify at least 3 negative impacts on individual welfare/well-being with the most common answers as they (1) are sad/depressed (91%), (2) die (87%), (3) are fed an inappropriate diet (80%), (4) have lost their family (74%) and (5) have lost their freedom (39%). This study demonstrates the effectiveness of educational theater in helping children to understand the impact the illegal pet trade has on cotton-top tamarins and how they can engage in activities to protect them.

This study explores the perceptions that high school students have about mantled howler monkeys in the Mexican community of Balzapote, Veracruz. We systematized the learning process derived from a Primate Conservation Education Program (PCEP) based on participatory action research (PAR) and arts-based education. Our results indicate a decrease in students' fear of monkeys, the recovery of myths and legends about this species, as well as a complex knowledge about monkeys and their habitat. The inclusion of local knowledge enriched the learning experience and reinforced primate conservation concepts. The PAR and arts-based approaches allowed students to internalize and apply acquired knowledge and fostered empathy. In addition to learning, the approach helped develop teamwork, critical thinking, and creative skills. Quantitative indicators showed shifts in emotions and knowledge post-program, and qualitative data revealed a deep articulation of learned content. We also identified migration and mining activities as socio-political factors impacting local people's livelihoods and wildlife conservation in this region.