Primate Behaviour & Conservation

Duration: 14 days
Location: Baobab Wildlife Sanctuary, Limpopo, South Africa
Group Size: 4–6 participants
Accommodation: Shared bushcamp (dorm-style)

Overview

This two-week academic field course explores the behaviour, ecology, and conservation challenges surrounding wild primates in southern Africa. Participants observe both chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) and vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) in a natural bushveld environment, focusing on social structures, foraging strategies, interspecies dynamics, and human-primate conflict.

Set on a working farm where primate-human interactions are a daily reality, the course offers a practical window into one of Africa’s most complex conservation issues. You’ll record behavioural sequences, build ethograms, assess deterrent strategies, and explore how ecological insight can inform land-use decisions.

This is structured, immersive fieldwork is designed for students, researchers, and wildlife professionals seeking real primate research experience.

What You’ll Learn

  • How to build and use ethograms (behavioural recording templates)

  • Observation methods: focal sampling, scan sampling, and sequence tracking

  • Troop dynamics: dominance, grooming, aggression, communication

  • Human-wildlife conflict: land-use pressures, deterrent strategies, mitigation tools

  • Ethical research practices and field protocols

  • Data collection and note structuring for field reports

  • Introduction to primate behavioural theory and applied conservation

Days are divided between structured observation, field recording, and review sessions with experienced staff.

Who It’s For

  • Students in zoology, animal behaviour, ecology, or conservation

  • Researchers working on or planning thesis/dissertation fieldwork

  • Wildlife professionals dealing with primate-related land management issues

  • Anyone seriously interested in primate behaviour and real-world field research

No prior primate experience is necessary, but participants must be able to observe quietly for extended periods and operate in an outdoor, rural setting.

What’s Included in the Price

  • 14 nights shared accommodation at the bush camp

  • Full board: 3 meals per day (self-serve breakfast, light lunch, cooked dinner)

  • Guided fieldwork and research tasks

  • Evening discussions, skills sessions, and ecology workshops

  • Use of field gear, datasheets, ID guides, and recording tools

  • Transport for all scheduled program activities

  • Ongoing support from experienced field staff and mentors

Not Included

  • International flights

  • Personal travel insurance (required)

  • Personal gear and toiletries

  • Airport pickup (available on request)

Optional Extras

  • Extended stay rates

  • Thesis or dissertation mentorship

  • Weekend transport for additional expense

Booking & Enquiries

Spots are limited. To apply or ask questions: