Primate Behavioral Observation The Behavioral Profile: A Comparative Study

Assignment Overview: For this assignment, you are asked to compare the activity budgets of two species of primate based on data collected from watching TWO online primate cameras (“monkey cams”). An activity budget is a general summary of how a species spends its time each day. You will need to select two different species and conduct a 30-min observation of each using the attached data sheets. You will then need to write a summary report of your findings including a brief overview of the two species you have chosen.

You can find the most current links for the various “Monkey cams” at this LINK.

Some cameras might be temporarily inactive or animals might be not active or out of view. Be sure to check multiple cameras and try at a later time if this happens. It is important to select two cameras where animals are present and you able to observe them.

The comparative study is composed of the following three parts:
A. Data Collection: Using the datasheets provided, collect 30 instantaneous time samples (1 sample/min) per group. Using the ethogram below, indicate the number of animals engaged in each behavioral category during each sample. If there are animals you cannot see because they have moved to the inside enclosure, mark these animals as “out of view” (OV).

· Rest: Stationary posture, including lying, sitting or standing.

· Move: Any manner of progression around the enclosure (e.g., walk, run, jump, swing).

· Feed: Ingest or chew food or water

· Social: Any form of physical contact with another animal, including grooming or sitting together. Also includes social play such as chasing that does not include contact.

· Aggression: Hitting, chasing or biting another individual in a hostile manner (as opposed to play).

· Other: Any behaviors not included in the categories above.

Once your observation in complete total your data and calculate percentages for each behavior as indicated on the accompanying data sheet.

B. Presentation of Results: Provide a graph or graphs summarizing the data you collected. An example would be a pie (e.g. Fig. 1) or bar chart that indicates the percentage of time each group spent in each of the different behaviors. Make sure to include a graph title and data labels as appropriate.

Figure 1

C. Brief Report: Provide a short report that includes the following elements:

1. Introduction: A description of the two species you have selected, including an overview of their behavior and ecology in the wild (i.e. taxonomy, geographic distribution, habitat, diet, and social organization);

2. Methods: A description of the specific zoo groups you observed, including the number of animals present, age/sex class composition (if known), and a physical description of the enclosure. Also provide brief overview of the data collection methods you used;

3. Results: A detailed description of the way the animals divided their time during your observation (be sure to reference your graphs in your report); and

4. Discussion: Finally, discuss which factor or factors accounts for the similarities or differences you found in the activity budgets of the two species. In your write up you want to be sure to reference the context of your observations. For example, it may be relevant to consider the number of animals in each cage, the time of day you conducted your observations, whether there was food present or if zoo visitors interacting with the animals during your observations. Make sure you reference information provided in accompanying graph(s) in support of your conclusions.

Final reports should be typed using a standard 12-point font and black ink. Lines should be double spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides, and pages should be numbered sequentially. Remember to include a bibliography/references cited page that identifies any sources (including photos) you used in preparing you report. Cover pages are not necessary, but you should provide an informative title for your report.

Submit your assignment as one document, either Microsoft Word (.doc, xdocx) or as a PDF.

REMEMBER:
Most primates are diurnal, meaning they are usually awake during the day. That may require you to plan to watch the cams during the day (and not at midnight the night before) to make any observations.

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