Costa Rica's Monkeys: A Summer Adventure for Teens

Primates are known for their intelligence, their social behavior and their close similarity to humans. Their resemblance to us really isn't a surprise, after all we are primates too. However, it is our behavior that is putting primates around the globe in danger, and many are on the very of extinction. Somewhere around 40 million years ago early primates migrated into the Americas and began a unique evolutionary journey that produced species of monkeys that are very different from their Asian and African cousins. New World monkeys, as they are commonly referred to, developed prehensile tails used for climbing and navigating their way through the trees that they live in.

Costa Rica's Monkeys

If you are a fan of Friends, then you are probably familiar with the white-faced capuchin monkey. These cute little monkeys are highly intelligent and very cute, however, they are also in danger. The habitat shared by capuchins and howler monkeys are quickly being depleted by human encroachments and environmental degradation. In an attempt to help protect these New Age monkeys, Tracie McKinney, a primate researcher, is gathering data on the behaviors of these monkeys and trying to determine how they are dealing with their growing environmental problems. This is where you can help.

The Expedition

Earthwatch is working with McKinney to find volunteers to help gather data on New World monkeys. People interested in this research project will spend 10 days in the Costa Rican rainforest following monkey troops, filling out data sheets, tracking the troops using GPS devices and learning all about the local monkeys. This expedition has been specially designed for teens and two research expeditions made up of 6 teens are scheduled each year in June and July.