Background

Primate behavioral management refers to the strategies and techniques employed to understand and influence the behavior of non-human primates in various settings, including research facilities, zoos, sanctuaries, and conservation centers. Effective behavioral management is crucial for ensuring the well-being and welfare of primates, promoting their physical and mental health, and facilitating successful research and conservation efforts. Behavioral management involves creating environments that meet primates’ social, cognitive, and physical needs. This includes providing appropriate housing structures, social groupings, and environmental enrichment to stimulate natural behaviors and prevent boredom and stress. Behavioral management also encompasses the use of positive reinforcement training techniques to facilitate cooperation during husbandry, veterinary procedures, and research protocols.

Understanding primate behavior is fundamental to implementing effective management strategies. Primates exhibit complex social structures, communication systems, and a wide range of behaviors. Research on primate behavior helps identify species-specific needs, social dynamics, and stressors, enabling the development of tailored management plans. Primate behavioral management is a multidisciplinary field that draws on principles from psychology, ethology, veterinary science, and animal welfare. It requires skilled professionals with primate behavior, cognition, and welfare expertise. Continuous monitoring and assessment of primate behavior are essential to ensure the effectiveness of management strategies and make necessary adjustments over time.

In recent years, advancements in primate behavioral management have focused on positive reinforcement training methods, which involve rewarding desired behaviors to encourage repetition. This approach promotes voluntary participation and reduces stress associated with forced interactions or procedures. Positive reinforcement training can be applied to various aspects, including health checks, cognitive research, and enrichment programs, enhancing the overall well-being of primates.

Primate behavioral management also plays a critical role in research involving primates. Researchers can reduce stress-induced variables that may affect experimental outcomes by understanding and managing primate behaviour. Ethical considerations, such as minimizing invasive procedures and ensuring the Five Freedoms (freedom from hunger, discomfort, pain, injury, and distress), are fundamental principles in primate research. The field of primate behavioral management continues to evolve with advancements in understanding primate behavior, cognition, and welfare. Ongoing research and collaborations between institutions and experts contribute to developing best practices, guidelines, and standards for the care and management of primates.

By prioritizing primate behavioral management, we can provide primates with environments that support their natural behaviors, promote their well-being, and contribute to the conservation and understanding of these remarkable creatures. The continuous improvement of behavioral management practices is crucial for ensuring primates’ ethical treatment and welfare and the success of research and conservation efforts involving these fascinating animals.

 

 

Primate Research Center IPB University (PSSP LPPM-IPB)

The Primate Research Center at IPB University, also known as PSSP LPPM-IPB, is a research center dedicated to studying primates. It was established on July 28, 1990, in response to the growing demand for research and knowledge about primates, particularly their biomedical, biological, and conservation aspects.  PSSP LPPM-IPB focuses on three main clusters of research programs: biomedicine, biology, and conservation. These clusters aim to advance our understanding of primates and their role in various scientific disciplines. The center conducts research to explore primates’ genetic, physiological, and behavioral aspects, as well as their ecological roles and conservation needs.

PSSP LPPM-IPB is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities to support its research endeavors. These facilities enable scientists and researchers to conduct experiments, analyze data, and further their primate biology and behavior knowledge. The center also houses breeding facilities for long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques, providing a controlled environment for primate population management and research. Conservation is a crucial component of PSSP LPPM-IPB’s mission. The center actively participates in conservation efforts to protect primate species and their habitats. This includes collaborations with national and international organizations and the development of conservation strategies and initiatives.

PSSP LPPM-IPB strives to utilize the diversity of non-human primates in Indonesia to benefit humanity by conducting research that contributes to human health, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. Through its studies on primate behavior, genetics, and physiology, PSSP LPPM-IPB aims to generate knowledge that can be applied to various fields, including medicine, ecology, and wildlife management.  Through its interdisciplinary research programs and collaborations, PSSP LPPM-IPB contributes to the global efforts to protect primate species, conserve their habitats, and promote the sustainable coexistence of humans and primates.

Primate Research Center IPB University (PSSP LPPM-IPB) will organize a two-day “Primate Behavioral Management” conference held on August 28-29, 2023, in Bogor, Indonesia. This Term of Reference (ToR) outlines the conference’s objectives, scope, and requirements.

 

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Primate Behavioral Management Conference are as follows:

  1. To provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of primate behavior and its management in research settings.
  2. To enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in implementing effective behavioral management strategies for primates.
  3. To promote the exchange of ideas and experiences among researchers, professionals, and experts in primate behavioral management.
  4. To explore the latest advancements and best practices in primate behavioral management from renowned experts.

 

Conference Details

  1. Theme: Primate Behavioral Management Conference
  2. Date: August 28-29, 2023
  3. Venue: The Sahira Hotel, Jl. A. Yani No.17-23, Bogor, Indonesia
  4. Participants: Researchers, professionals, and individuals interested in primate behavioral management
  5. Quota: 40 participants

 

Topics of the Conference

The conference will cover a range of topics related to primate behavioral management, including but not limited to the following:

  1. Positive reinforcement training (PRT) and research
  2. Social learning
  3. Anti-predator behavior
  4. Temperament
  5. Behavioral management
  6. PRT and health care
  7. Aging and depression
  8. Behavioral genetics
  9. Neuroscience
  10. Program management

 

Conference Structure

  1. The conference will include presentations, interactive sessions, case studies, and practical demonstrations.
  2. Each day will be divided into sessions, allowing for breaks and networking opportunities.
  3. The speakers will deliver lectures and participate in Q&A sessions to facilitate knowledge sharing and discussions.

 

Invited Speakers

The Abbreviated Primate Behavioral Management Conference will feature a diverse lineup of speakers who will deliver presentations and share their expertise in the field. The conference will include a combination of both in-person and virtual speakers, offering participants a comprehensive learning experience. Confirmed speakers include:

  1. Steve Schapiro, PhD; Professor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre (UTMDACC, USA)
  2. Kris Coleman, PhD; Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC, USA)
  3. Michele Mulholland, PhD; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre (UTMDACC, USA)
  4. Jann Hau, Dr MD; Professor at University of Copenhagen, Denmark
  5. Melanie Graham, PhD; University of Minnesota, USA
  6. Lydia Hopper, PhD; Johns Hopkins University, USA
  7. Carol Shively, PhD; Wake Forest University School of Medicine, USA
  8. Elizabeth Magden, DVM; University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre (UTMDACC, USA)
  9. Jeff Rogers, PhD; Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, USA
  10. Nancy Caine, PhD; Professor at California State University (CSU), San Marcos, USA
  11. Susan Pavonetti, BS; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre (UTMDACC, USA)
  12. Drh Huda Shalahudin Darusman, PhD; Primate Research Center IPB University (PSSP LPPM-IPB), Indonesia

 

Tentative Schedule

 

Monday, August 28, 2023 (GMT+7)

8:00     Introduction of mini-PBMC (Huda S Darusman, PhD; in-person)

8:15     Introduction to mini-PBMC (Steve Schapiro, PhD; in-person)

9:00     PRT and research (Melanie Graham, PhD; virtual)

10:00  Break

10:15 Social learning (Lydia Hopper, PhD; virtual)

11:15  Anti-predator behavior (Nancy Caine, PhD; virtual)

12:15 Lunch

13:15  Temperament (Kris Coleman, PhD; in-person)

14:15  Behavioral management (Steve Schapiro, PhD; in-person)

15:15  Questions and answers

16:00  Local Poster Session

17.00  Meet and greet

17:30 Group dinner

 

Tuesday, August 29, 2023 (GMT+7)

8:00     Review (Steve Schapiro, PhD and Huda S Darusman, PhD; in-person)

8:15     PRT and health care (Elizabeth Magden, DVM; virtual)

9:15     Aging and depression (Carol Shively, PhD; virtual)

10:15 Break

10:30  Behavioral genetics (Jeff Rogers, PhD; virtual)

11:30  Questions and answers (Steve Schapiro, PhD and Huda S Darusman, PhD; in-person)

12:00 Lunch

13:00  Neuroscience (Michele Mulholland, PhD; in-person)

14:00  Program Management (Susan Pavonetti, BS; virtual)

14:45  Discussant summation (Jann Hau, Dr MD; in-person)

15:15  Final questions, summary, evaluation (Steve Schapiro, PhD; in-person)

15:45  Last words (Huda S Darusman, PhD; in-person)

16:00 Adjourn

 

Registration, Fees, and Payment

  1. Interested individuals must register for the conference by completing the online registration form: ipb.link/reg-abbrev-pbmc-indonesia
  2. The registration fee will cover conference materials, refreshments, and meals during the conference.
  3. Early Bird Registration Fee: IDR 2.750.000 (national participants), USD 220 (international participants). The fee applies to participants who register from 14-25 July 2023.
  4. Regular Registration Fee: IDR 3.000.000 (national participants), USD 250 (international participants). The fee applies to participants who register from 26 July-15 August 2023.
  5. Last Call Registration Fee: IDR 3.250.000 (national participants), USD 275 (international participants). The fee applies to participants who register from 16-20 August 2023.
  6. Payment is transferred to:
    1. Bank Name: Bank OCBC NISP;
    2. Account Number: 175810017624;
    3. Account Holder Name: Yuniar Apriliadi;
    4. SWIFT Code: NISPIDJA.

 

Certification

Participants who attend the full conference and fulfill all requirements will receive a certificate of completion.

 

Logistics and Accommodation

  1. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation and accommodation.
  2. A list of recommended hotels and transportation options will be provided to registered participants.

 

Evaluation and Feedback

  1. Participants will be given the opportunity to provide feedback on the conference content, organization, and speakers.
  2. The organizers will use this feedback to improve future conferences and ensure participant satisfaction.

 

Confidentiality

Participants and speakers are expected to maintain the confidentiality of any sensitive information shared during the conference.

 

Disclaimer

The organizers reserve the right to change the conference schedule, speakers, or any other aspect of the conference if necessary. Registered participants will be notified of any significant changes.

 

Contact Information

Email     : minipbmcindonesia@gmail.com

Phone   : +62 251 8320417, +62 251 8313637

Whatsapp: +62 815 1940 9550 (Bella) / +62 856 9163 8537 (Yuliana)