We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Take this course

Primate Conservation

Jonathan O'Brien

4.5

Based on 39 ratings

, see reviews

Jonathan O'Brien

We are presently facing a potential extinction crisis for the order Primates (and many other life forms). In this course we will learn about threats to primate conservation globally. We will be using the, “Primates in Peril: The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates 2018-2020” by Schwitzer et al. (2019) as a basis for the discussion of global primate populations. We will investigate conservation status, threats to conservations, success and failures within protecting our closest evolutionary cousins.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Conservation & Conservation Concerns

In the first module, I will introduce myself and begin defining the Order Primates. Many people have a ‘love’ of ‘monkeys’ without really understanding how incredibly diverse our Order is! This module starts with a definition of primates and then shows where the current radiation of primates still live.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores conservation concerns affecting primates, which is highly relevant to environmental science

Taught by Jonathan O'Brien, who is recognized for their work in primate conservation

Develops knowledge of primate conservation status and threats, which are core skills for environmental science

Examines primate conservation through the lens of the IUCN RedList, which is highly relevant to conservation science

Provides a case study of Vietnam's primate diversity and conservation efforts, which adds color to the broader topic of primate conservation

Requires students to have a basic understanding of primate biology and conservation principles, which may be a barrier for some learners

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Primate conservation: accessible global overview

According to learners, "Primate Conservation" offers an engaging and accessible introduction to critical global conservation issues. Students consistently praise the instructor's profound passion and knowledge, which makes complex topics easy to grasp for a wide audience. The course provides a solid foundation in understanding threats to primates, supported by a valuable 'Primates in Peril' resource and a compelling Vietnam case study that brings concepts to life. While largely positive, some with prior academic backgrounds found the content could be superficial for advanced learners, desiring more interactive or in-depth content. Overall, it's highly recommended for general enthusiasts and those seeking a comprehensive overview of the subject.

Strong focus on practical conservation efforts and global threats.

"I learned so much about the specific threats and the real-world efforts being made."

"The case study on Vietnam was particularly insightful and brought everything together."

"I particularly valued the emphasis on real-world conservation efforts and how individuals can contribute."

Provides a clear and engaging overview suitable for beginners.

"This course was absolutely fantastic! The content is incredibly engaging and the instructor's passion for primate conservation shines through."

"It perfectly explained the complex issues facing primates."

"I especially enjoyed learning about the different conservation organizations. This course exceeded my expectations."

The instructor's enthusiasm greatly enhances the learning experience.

"The instructor's passion for primate conservation shines through."

"The professor was knowledgeable and enthusiastic."

"The instructor is phenomenal, making complex topics easy to understand."

Some learners wished for more dynamic content and active discussions.

"I wished for more interactive elements or deeper dives into scientific papers."

"The forum discussions weren't very active, which made it feel a bit isolated."

"The presentation could be more dynamic. I felt some parts dragged a bit."

Offers a good starting point, but some desire more academic rigor.

"Some parts felt a bit basic for someone with a biology background, but it serves well as a general overview."

"Found this course to be too superficial. While the topic is important, I expected more academic rigor and scientific depth."

"It's a good starting point if you know absolutely nothing about the topic, but it didn't really challenge me."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Primate Conservation with these activities:

Review Primate Anatomy

Show steps

Reviewing primate anatomy can help solidify your understanding and create a strong foundation before the course.

Show steps

Use online resources like textbooks or research papers to brush up on the skeletal system, muscular system, and integumentary system of primates.
Focus on key anatomical features that distinguish primates from other mammals.
Create flashcards or diagrams to help memorize important anatomical structures.

Conservation Terms

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of fundamental conservation terminology by practicing the definitions of key terms.

Show steps

Read the chapter on Conservation Terms in the Primates in Peril book.
Complete the practice exercises at the end of the chapter.
Create a glossary of the key terms.

IUCN Red List Training

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of the IUCN Red List criteria and methodology by completing this comprehensive tutorial.

Show steps

Enroll in the online IUCN Red List training module.
Complete the interactive exercises and assessments.
Apply your knowledge to assess the conservation status of a primate species.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Primate Conservation Case Study Discussion

Show steps

Engage with fellow learners to analyze a real-world primate conservation case study and discuss its implications.

Show steps

Read the provided case study materials.
Join a peer discussion group.
Share your perspectives on the case study.
Collaborate to identify key lessons learned.

Primate Conservation Action Plan

Show steps

Develop a comprehensive action plan to address the threats facing a specific primate species or population.

Show steps

Research the target primate species and its conservation status.
Identify the major threats and challenges.
Propose specific strategies and interventions to mitigate the threats.
Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework.
Share your plan with relevant stakeholders.

Primate Conservation Volunteer

Show steps

Gain hands-on experience and contribute to primate conservation efforts by volunteering with a reputable organization.

Show steps

Research and identify potential volunteer opportunities.
Contact the organizations and inquire about their volunteer programs.
Apply and complete the necessary training.
Participate in volunteer activities according to the organization's schedule.

Career center

Learners who complete Primate Conservation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Primatologist

Primatologists study the behavior, ecology, and evolution of primates. They typically work in universities, museums, or zoos. This course would be beneficial to Primatologists because it would provide them with a broad overview of the threats facing primates, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Primatologist

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the behavior, ecology, and conservation of wild animals. They typically work in government agencies or private organizations, such as zoos or conservation charities. This course would be beneficial to Wildlife Biologists because it would provide them with a broad overview of the threats facing primates, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Biologist

Zoologist

Zoologists study the behavior, ecology, and evolution of animals. They typically work in universities, museums, or zoos. This course would be beneficial to Zoologists because it would provide them with a broad overview of the threats facing primates, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Zoologist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the natural world and develop plans to protect it. They typically work in government agencies or private organizations, such as environmental consultancies. This course would be beneficial to Environmental Scientists because it would provide them with a broad overview of the threats facing primates, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Ecologist

Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. They typically work in universities, government agencies, or private organizations, such as environmental consultancies. This course would be beneficial to Ecologists because it would provide them with a broad overview of the threats facing primates, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ecologist

Conservation Policy Analyst

Conservation Policy Analysts develop and evaluate policies to protect the natural world. They typically work in government agencies or private organizations, such as environmental think tanks. This course would be beneficial to Conservation Policy Analysts because it would provide them with a broad overview of the threats facing primates, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Policy Analyst

Conservation Educator

Conservation Educators develop and deliver educational programs to raise awareness of environmental issues. They typically work in schools, museums, or zoos. This course would be beneficial to Conservation Educators because it would provide them with a broad overview of the threats facing primates, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Educator

Wildlife Photographer

Wildlife Photographers capture images of animals in their natural habitats. They typically work for magazines, newspapers, or websites. This course would be beneficial to Wildlife Photographers because it would provide them with a broad overview of the threats facing primates, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Photographer

Conservation Writer

Conservation Writers write articles, books, and other materials to raise awareness of environmental issues. They typically work for magazines, newspapers, or websites. This course would be beneficial to Conservation Writers because it would provide them with a broad overview of the threats facing primates, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Writer

Animal Welfare Officer

Animal Welfare Officers investigate and enforce laws and regulations to protect the welfare of animals. They typically work for government agencies or private organizations, such as animal shelters. This course would be beneficial to Animal Welfare Officers because it would provide them with a broad overview of the threats facing primates, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animal Welfare Officer

Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist

Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialists care for sick, injured, or orphaned wild animals. They typically work for wildlife rehabilitation centers or zoos. This course would be beneficial to Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialists because it would provide them with a broad overview of the threats facing primates, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist

Veterinarian

Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals. They typically work in private practice or for government agencies. This course would be beneficial to Veterinarians because it would provide them with a broad overview of the threats facing primates, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Veterinarian

Animal Trainer

Animal Trainers teach animals to perform specific behaviors. They typically work in zoos, aquariums, or circuses. This course would be beneficial to Animal Trainers because it would provide them with a broad overview of the threats facing primates, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animal Trainer

Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists are responsible for studying the natural world and developing plans to protect it. They typically work in government agencies or private organizations, such as zoos or conservation charities. This course would be beneficial to Conservation Scientists because it would provide them with a broad overview of the threats facing primates, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Animal Caretaker

Animal Caretakers provide care for animals in zoos, aquariums, or research facilities. They typically work under the supervision of a veterinarian or animal trainer. This course would be beneficial to Animal Caretakers because it would provide them with a broad overview of the threats facing primates, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animal Caretaker

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Primate Conservation.

Best practice guidelines for the rehabilitation and...

Save

The IUCN Red List is the most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.

Best practice guidelines for the rehabilitation and...

Paperback

Check price

Best practice guidelines for the rehabilitation and...

Kindle Edition

Check price

Baboon Metaphysics

Save

This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the behavior of primates, covering topics such as communication, social behavior, and cognition.

Primate Evolution and Human Origins

Save

This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the evolutionary history of primates.

Primate Evolution and Human Origins

Paperback

Check price

Primate Evolution and Human Origins

Kindle Edition

Check price

Through a Window

Save

This personal account of Jane Goodall's groundbreaking work with chimpanzees provides insights into the behavior and ecology of primates.

Gorillas in the Mist

Save

This personal account of Dian Fossey's groundbreaking work with gorillas provides insights into the behavior and ecology of primates.

The Sixth Extinction (10th Anniversary Edition)

Save

This Pulitzer Prize-winning book provides a gripping account of the history and causes of extinctions.

The Sixth Extinction (Tenth Anniversary Edition)

Audible Audiobook

The Third Chimpanzee for Young People

Save

Provides a thought-provoking examination of the factors that lead to the collapse of societies, and the lessons that can be learned from these failures.

The Third Chimpanzee for Young People: On the...

Paperback

The Third Chimpanzee for Young People: On the...

Kindle Edition

Something about the Sky

Save

This classic book raised awareness of the dangers of pesticides and their impact on the environment.

Something About the Sky

Hardcover

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Facebook

Copy Link

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.

Rating

4.5

Effort

11 hours to complete

Level

Introductory

Via

Coursera

Institution

University of Colorado Boulder

Instructor

Jonathan O'Brien

Language

English

Transcripts

Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores conservation concerns affecting primates, which is highly relevant to environmental science

Taught by Jonathan O'Brien, who is recognized for their work in primate conservation

Develops knowledge of primate conservation status and threats, which are core skills for environmental science

Examines primate conservation through the lens of the IUCN RedList, which is highly relevant to conservation science

Provides a case study of Vietnam's primate diversity and conservation efforts, which adds color to the broader topic of primate conservation

Requires students to have a basic understanding of primate biology and conservation principles, which may be a barrier for some learners

Primate Conservation

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Primate conservation: accessible global overview

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses