Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Winter 2014

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Primate Behavior

Committee Chair

Joseph G. Lorenz

Second Committee Member

Lori K. Sheeran

Third Committee Member

R. Steven Wagner

Abstract

Noninvasive genetic sampling was first used in wild animals more than two decades ago, although since that time there have been advancements in both sampling strategies and amplification technology [Hoss et al., 1992; Taberlet and Bouvet, 1992]. Feces, hair, and urine are examples of biomaterials that are collected noninvasively [Beja-Pereira et al., 2009]. These materials provide clear advantages over the more invasive DNA sampling techniques such as blood collection; researchers can study nonhuman subjects without contacting, disturbing, or even seeing them. This advantage becomes greater in habitats disturbed by human activities such as agriculture or mining. The Republic of Suriname, home to eight extant primate species, is one current example of this habitat disturbance [Peterson and Heemskerk, 2001]. The discovery of gold is bringing new development to the country, and is affecting the forests that used to cover 80% of the land [Peterson and Heemskerk, 2001].

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