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Kakamega Forest Primate Research Project, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University

Field Study

Kakamega Forest Primate Research Project, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University

Location of field site: Kakamega Forest, Kenya , Africa

Project Director: Marina Cords

Contact Person: Marina Cords , mc51@columbia.edu , Phone: 212-854-7337 Fax: 212-854-8188 E-mail: mc51@columbia.edu

Mailing address: 1200 Amsterdam Avenue, 10th floor , New York , New York 10027 U.S.A.

Research Objectives: To understand the reproductive and social strategies of forest guenons. Current project focuses on cooperative behavior of females, especially how participation in group territorial defense (a collective action) is related to grooming behavior and feeding tolerance within the group. Foci of recent research include the correspondence of reproductive behavior and reproductive success in male blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis), the role of female choice in influencing paternity in blue monkeys, the nature of competitive relationships between and within groups, and the documentation of life history parameter (27 yrs and counting). Together with students I have also studied forest tree population dynamics and the ecology of variation in monkey group size. Previous students (and I) have worked on other primates at the site.

Field Positions and Volunteers: Occasional openings are available. Normally these are posted online under Primate Jobs at this site.

Species Studied: Cercopithecus mitis (blue monkey), C. ascanius (redtail monkey), Colobus guereza (black and white colobus monkey)

Other Species Found At Site: Cercopithecus neglectus (De Brazza's monkey: only in nearby Kisere Forest), Papio anubis (baboon: occasional visitors), Periodicticus potto (potto); Cercopithecus aethiops (vervet) seen once

Project Begin/End Dates: Ongoing since 1979

Web Site: http://www.columbia.edu/~mc51/

Entry created: 2002-10-21
Review requested: 2003-11-17
Entry last reviewed: 2007-02-27

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