Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2026
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Primate Behavior
Committee Chair
Jessica Mayhew
Second Committee Member
Lori Sheeran
Third Committee Member
Karisa Terry
Abstract
Primate conservation education aims to increase support for initiatives that protect non-human primates and their habitats, with the success of conservation outreach initiatives depending on active participation in them. Conservation education adopts various forms to convey the multifaceted influences on species and ecosystems. Primate conservation education programs are faced with articulating challenges beyond just ecological threats, as they must address a spectrum of intersecting issues influenced by species-specific needs in addition to both local and global pressures. As a result, traditional educational methods may not allow the audience to be interested or engaged with the materials enough to be able to capture the nuance of conservation initiatives. Arts-based educational methods offer a different approach to addressing the challenges of primate conservation by integrating creative strategies, such as the visual arts, theatre, performance arts, and music into the learning process. With a focus on integrating visual arts into primate conservation education, “Human Impacts on the Needs of the Bonobo (Pan paniscus)” compares arts-based educational techniques to standard teaching methods for the purpose of raising conservation awareness in higher education. The goal of this research project was to assess this method's effectiveness as an outreach approach for bonobos (Pan paniscus), also referred to as “bilia.” This research project used pre- and post- intervention surveys to investigate how participants' understanding of conservation challenges and ways to improve them are impacted by this form of instruction. The results are intended to determine if arts-based education is a successful strategy for raising conservation awareness and providing useful information for utilizing novel teaching strategies within higher education.
Recommended Citation
Bradford-Brann, E.S.
Included in
Animal Studies Commons, Art Education Commons, Biodiversity Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons