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Masters Thesis project to examine the vocalization patterns in Mentawai macaques
Hiring Organization:
German Primate Center
Date Posted:
2009-02-09
Position Description:
The Mentawai Islands off the W coast of Sumatra are noted for their unusually high degree of biological richness and species endemism. Among the mammal species unique to the islands, the most striking are the primates: Kloss´ gibbon, two langur species and the Mentawai macaques.
In this project we propose to compare structural features and usage of loud calls in macaques from different Mentawai Islands in order to i) clarify their taxonomic relationship at a biological level and ii) examine the role of vocalization in the process of speciation.
The project forms part of the Siberut Conservation Programme (SCP), which is operated jointly by the German Primate Centre (DPZ) and Bogor Agricultural University. Data collection (vocalization recordings, behavioural parameters, faecal samples) will be conducted partly at the SCP field station in N Siberut, but also on at least one other island. Subsequent analysis will be carried out at DPZ.
Qualifications/Experience:
The student will need to integrate well with other researchers, Indonesian support staff and local Mentawain inhabitants. Additionally he/she will need to be fit and in good physical health, able to work in a remote location and under demanding tropical conditions. A willingness to learn basic elements of the local language is expected and prior experience of field work is desirable.
Support
provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Travel expenses to the study site and local living costs will be provided.
Comments:
For further information, contact Keith Hodges/Christophe Abegg, Department of Reproductive Biology, or Kurt Hammerschmidt, Cognitive Ethology Research Group, at the German Primate Centre (www.dpz.eu). Details of SCP can be found at www.siberut-island.org.
Contact
Information:
Kurt Hammerschmidt
kellnerweg 4
Göttingen 37077
Germany
Website:
http://www.cog-ethol.de
E-mail Address:
hammerschmidt@cog-ethol.de
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