Lesson Structure
There are 10 lessons:

1. Introduction to Primates – scope, nature, anatomy & physiology, evolution and taxonomy

• Order Primates
• Distinguishing Characteristics of Primates
• Taxonomy of Primates
• New World and Old World Monkeys
• Anatomy and Physiology

2. The Strepsirhines

• Family Daubentoniidae
• Family Lorisidae (or Loridae)
• Family Galagidae (syn. Galagonidae)
• Family Lemuridae
• Extinct Families
• Examples Of Living Groups

3.  The Haplorhines

• Family Cebidae
• Family Tarsiidae
• Family Callitrichidae
• Family Atelidae
• Family Cercopithecidae
• Family Hylobatidae
• Family Pongidae
• Family Hominidae
• Tarsiers
• Baboons
• Drills
• Macaques
• Mangabey Monkeys
• Vervet Monkeys
• Marmosets
• Capuchins
• True Spider Monkeys
• Guenon Monkeys
• Patas Monkeys

4.  Diet and Nutrition re environment feed and supplements in a nature park environment

• Nutritional Requirements of Primates
• Physiological Adaptations to Different Diets

5.  Health – Illness Pests and diseases specific to above

• Exercise
• Observation and Assessment of Health or Condition
• Common Illnesses
• Pathogenic
• Disease and Primate Conservation
• First Aid on Humans Exposed to NHP Injuries or Body Fluids

6.  Primate Behaviour in the Wild

• Social Behaviour
• Social Group Composition
• What are the benefits of living in groups for primates?
• Physical Environment
• Communication
• Behaviours

7.  Psychological Wellbeing in Primates in Captivity

• Recognising Abnormal Behaviour
• The Primate as a Pet
• Social Deprivation and Primates
• Abnormal Behaviour in Captivity
• Self-Harm in Primates in Captivity
• Foraging For Food
• Managing Boredom
• Learning and Training Primates
• Handling Primates
• Sedation

8.  Breeding programmes and optimum resources needed for this

• Primate Groups
• Gregarious Primates
• Fertility and Reproduction
• Breeding and Conceiving
• Pregnancy and Birth

9.  Conservation in the wild -of individual breeds?

• Conservation Status of Primate Species
• Susceptibility to Extinction
• Unique Problems
• What Animals are most Endangered?
• Recovery Programmes

10.  Managing primates in Captivity

• Primates in captivity
• Enclosure Design
• Transporting Primates
• Reasons and Ethics of Keeping Primates in Captivity
• Risks Working With Primates

Please Note:   Each lesson requires the completion of an assignment which you submit to your Tutor for Marking and return with your grade and Tailored Feedback. Relevant suggestions, comments, and additional reading may be proposed by your Tutor.

Learning Goals:

•  To understand the taxonomy, biology and management of primate animals both in captivity and the wild.
•  Discuss the nature and scope of our knowledge of primate animals.
•  Describe a variety of different species from the suborder Strepsirhini.
•  Describe a variety of different species from the suborder Haplorhini.
•  Explain the dietary requirements for different primates.
•  Explain the management of the physical wellbeing of primates.
•  Explain the psychology of primates and their natural behaviour.
•  Explain the management of the psychological wellbeing of primates in captivity.
•  Explain breeding programmes for managing the conservation of primates.
•  Explain the conservation of a range of primates.
•  Explain the management of primates in captivity.

Karin Saks – primate naturalist:

Since 1997, Karin Saks has been involved in the fostering and rehabilitation of orphan baboons, the caring of injured monkeys who have been returned to the wild and has worked towards a harmonious co-existence between these primates and humans. She has monitored wild baboon troops who raid human homes to research ways of baboon management and has observed wild troops in her area with a view to finding out damage done to troop structures and numbers because of human intervention. Due to legislation that allows for the persecution of vervet monkeys and baboons in South Africa, hundreds of orphaned primates currently reside in rehabilitation centres without much chance of being released back into the wild. The primate pet trade is also on the increase due to the amount of infants orphaned when mothers are killed.  Educating the public on how to live harmoniously with these primates and appealing for new protective legislation – that is actively enforced – are crucial aspects to finding solutions.

The Darwin Primate Group – registered NPO 059-587: Like many who take on the task of rescuing these persecuted animals, Karin self funded her work until 2008 when she founded the Darwin Primate Group and registered it as a non-profit organization.

Research into endangered samango monkey (Cercopithecus mitis labiatus) populations: In 2014, Karin moved to Kwazulu Natal where she is researching the endangered samango monkey (Cercopithecus mitis labiatus) populations in the Midlands. (She is no longer working directly with rescued baboons or vervet monkeys.) As the samango monkey is restricted to forest habitat and is a seed dispersing species, it is listed as Vulnerable in the Red Data Book of the Mammals of South Africa (2004) with samango subspecies – C. m. labiatus – occurring on the IUCN (2007) Endangered list making research into populations necessary to identify if management and further protection is needed.

You are welcome to watch her online video: Co-existing Peacefully With Baboons/Monkeys and read her Blogspot on the Samango Monkey Project. If you want to support Karin in her work financially or practically, please contact us and we will happily pass your details on.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?

A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.