Karin Enstam Jaffe
Associate Professor of Anthropology & Adjunct Faculty in Biology
Ph.D. University of California (Davis), 2002
Voicemail: (707) 664-2944
Email: karin.enstam@sonoma.edu
Office: Stevenson 2054D
Webpage
Research Interests:
Primate behavioral ecology, primate anti-predator behavior, human evolution, polyspecific associations, biological anthropology.
Research Program:
My research interests focus on the relationship between habitat structure and primate anti-predator behavior. I am interested in the strategies that primates employ to escape from predators and how these strategies change depending on the structure of the immediate environment (e.g., tree height, canopy cover, grass density). My previous research has focused on sub-specific sociality differences in captive orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) and the social behavior of mona monkeys (Cercopithecus mona) on the island of Grenada. Currently, I am focusing on developing and expanding SSUPER (Sonoma State University PrimatE Research project), which provides Sonoma State students the opportunity to develop and carry out their own primate research projects. Current and past SSUPER projects include: research on the effects of visual and auditory stimuli on ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) at Safari West, and an examination of mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) dominance hierarchy and a study of patas (Erythrocebus patas) mating behavior at the San Francisco Zoo.
Representative Publications:
Jaffe, K.E. and Isbell, L.A. (2010) Changes in ranging and agonistic behavior of vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) after predator-induced group fusion. American Journal of Primatology. 72: 634-644.
Jaffe, K.E. and Isbell, L.A. (2011) The guenons: Socioecology of polyspecific associations. In: Primates in Perspective, 2nd edition (C.J. Campbell, A. Fuentes, K.C. MacKinnon, S.K. Bearder, and R.M. Stumpf, eds.). Oxford University Press, New York. pp. 277-300.
Isbell, L.A., Young, T.P., Jaffe, K.E., Carlson, A.A., and Chancellor, R.L. (2009) Demography and life histories of sympatric patas monkeys, Erythrocebus patas, and vervets, Cercopithecus aethiops, in Laikipia, Kenya. International Journal of Primatology. 30: 103-124.
Jaffe, K.E. and Isbell, L.A. (2009) After the fire: Benefits of reduced ground cover for vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). American Journal of Primatology. 71: 252-260.
Parker, S.T. and Jaffe, K.E (2008) Darwin's Legacy: Scenarios in Human Evolution. AltaMira Press. New York.
Enstam, K.L. (2007) Effects of habitat structure on perceived risk of predation and anti-predator behavior in vervet (Cercopithecus aethiops) and patas (Erythrocebus patas) monkeys. In: Primate Anti-Predator Strategies. (S. Gursky and K.A.I. Nekaris, eds.). Springer, New York. pp. 308-338.
Course Offerings:
Introduction to Biological Anthropology; Human Fossils and Evolution; Human Development: Sex and the Life Cycle; Primate Behavior Laboratory; Biological Basis of Sex Differences; Nature, Culture and Theory: The Growth of Anthropology.