Primate Research and Conservation in the Anthropocene

Description

This book takes a new approach to understanding primate conservation research, adding a personal perspective to allow readers to learn what motivates those doing conservation work. When entering the field over a decade ago, many young primatologists were driven by evolutionary questions centered in behavioural ecology. However, given the current environment of cascading extinctions and increasing threats to primates we now need to ensure that primates remain in viable populations in the wild before we can simply engage in research in the context of pure behavioural ecology. This has changed the primary research aims of many primatologists and shifted our focus to conservation priorities, such as understanding the impacts of human activity, habitat conversion or climate change on primates. This book presents personal narratives alongside empirical research results and discussions of strategies used to stem the tide of extinction. It is a must-have for anyone interested in conservation research.

Alison M. Behie is the Head of Biological Anthropology at the Australian National University and an Australian Research Council DECRA fellow. Her research interests focus on understanding the impact of severe habitat change on populations of both human and non-human primates. Julie A. Teichroeb is an Assistant Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology at the University of Toronto, Scarborough. Her primary research interests are understanding the evolution of primate social organization and individual and group decision-making processes. Nicholas Malone is a Senior Lecturer in Biological Anthropology at the University of Auckland. His research interests are broad, looking into the social and ecological lives of primates, especially those of apes and humans.

'... this book gives good reason for cautious optimism, as it documents challenges that have been tackled and successes that have been celebrated to combat the decline of primates ...' Alexander Waller, The Biologist 'Primate Research and Conservation in the Anthropocene is predominantly a collection of research articles. I found the chapters on what is currently known about the effects of climate change on primates very illuminating. This volume is, therefore of particular interest for those studying or aspiring to study the impacts of climate change on primates.' Sian Waters, Primate Eye