University of Calgary

Field primatology in Ghana 2013

Program Description

Using primatological research as a point of entry, this program to Ghana provides an opportunity to experience diverse habitats and encounter groups of organisms not common in North America. It not only covers logistical components of research such as study design, data collection and analysis, but it also examines the human pressures occurring in this part of the world and the conservation issues that arise from these pressures. The cultural environment of Ghana exposes students to circumstances that are different from their own which, in turn, provides a fresh and insightful back drop to understanding human-environment relations. Those interested in Biology, Psychology, Geography and Environmental Design can also benefit from this program. After a week of preparation in Calgary, participants will travel to Ghana to work in the Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, which is home to two species of monkeys (black & white colobus and mona monkeys).The close proximity of the sanctuary to the villages of Boabeng and Fiema allows participants to learn about the people and the culture of the area through regular interactions. In the field, students will learn through observation about primate behavior and practice census and ecological data collection techniques. Several fieldtrips to National Parks and community-based conservation projects are also planned.

Information and selection meeting for the 2013 field school will be held on Thursday October 4, 2012 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm in ES 702.

Please contact sicotte [at] ucalgary [dot] ca directly.

 Course Information

Course Title Prerequisites
ANTH 505Primatology Research ProjectAnth 311 and consent of the department
ANTH 552Field Studies in Anthropology - GhanaAnth 311 and consent of the department
ANTH 553Primate Behavioural Research DesignAnth 311 and consent of the department

 

Example 2008 itinerary  - 2013 will be similar
 
  
  
First week of May:An introduction to the field work in Africa, disease prevention and health related issues will all be covered during preparatory workshops at the University of Calgary. Lectures will focus on the ecology of West Africa, conservation issues, the primates of the Upper Guinea Forest and field methods for data collection. Students will be given preliminary readings earlier in April and will prepare a field project during the week, to be implemented during the field work.
  
May 6 -7:Travel to Accra, Ghana. Dates are approximate depending on availability of flights.
  
May 8:Field work begins
  
May 9:Early departure for drive to Cape Coast with a stop at the Women's Coop for lunch
and shopping. The group will visit Cape Coast or Elmina Fort in the afternoon and spend the night at Hans Cottage Botel near Kakum National Park.
  
May 10:Participants will spend the morning in Kakum where a nice gift shop at the headquarters allows for shopping options. The afternoon will be spent at the beach.
  
May 11:Drive from Elmina to Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary.
  
May 12:Introduction to study groups, main tree species and trail system of the forest.
  
May 13 - 31:During this period the group will remain at the sanctuary becoming familiar with the area. Group work will include data collection and group surveys. Students will also be involved in presentations and group discussions. Trips to Bobiri Forest Butterfly Sanctuary, Mole National Park and bat caves will further familiarize participants to the ecology of Ghana.
  
May 31:Finalize data collection. A farewell party will be held one evening at the Boabeng Fiema Management Committee's convenience.
  
June 1:Travel to Accra
  
June 2:Return to Calgary