The United States is officially phasing out biomedical research on chimpanzees. This is a fantastic development that we should all celebrate. However, more work needs to be done. We can now start to address a bigger issue: chimpanzees in North America.
Read MoreConservation Answers In The Genes
When I was in Cameroon I had a chance to see first hand some of the challenges conservationists are currently facing. One of the biggest problems is trying to reintegrate individuals back into the wild to help ensure that wild populations remain vibrant, healthy, and diverse. Conservationists would be able to reintegrate many individuals if they knew their population of origin. Recent genetic studies may have finally offered a solution to this problem.
Read MoreChimpanzee Trafficking: A Growing Threat
Chimpanzees face major anthropogenic threats. However, a growing threat to their survival is great ape trafficking. Live chimpanzees are worth $5,000-20,000 from zoos in North America, Europe, and Asia. Furthermore, trafficking laws are rarely enforced in many African countries. If the rates of trafficking continue to increase, chimpanzees may only be found in zoos within a few decades.
Read MoreAn Evolutionary Success!
Evolutionary biologists have recently revealed a phylogenetic tree which depicts the evolutionary relatedness of all birds. Specifically it also reveals information about the tempo of bird evolution as well as the geographic locations of important diversification events. These findings have important relevance, not only to understand the natural history of life, but also to conservationists throughout the world.
Read MoreA True Environmentalist
Jane Goodall is well-know for her work with chimpanzees in Tanzania. However, her work attempting to protect the environment and conserve all life has been her greatest contribution and gift to our species and planet. Although she will always be known as a famous primatologist, she is also a true environmentalist.
Read MoreThe State of Things
African great ape populations are facing several anthropogenic threats (e.g., hunting, disease transmission, habitat loss). A recent study has revealed that habitat loss may be the most critical and is a far larger threat than previously believed by experts. If the rate of habitat loss continues to increase, the African great apes may not see 2100.
Read MoreA Conservation Story Gone Bad
In a recent conservation documentary by the BBC the social dynamics between the Afar tribe and the baboons are explored. Throughout the documentary conservation biologist Mat Pines attempts to build a positive relationship with the tribe but ends up failing to understand the root of the conflict.
Read MoreAmong African Apes
What is it like to be a primatologist? There are several misconceptions and many people are interested in our closest relatives, but few people know exactly what it's like to conduct a primate field survey. Among African Apes transports you into the researchers world and introduces you to several important aspects of primatology.
Read MoreA Plea for Our Sister Species
Why is the human species seven billion strong while our closest relatives are on the brink of extinction? In order to understand this survival discrepancy, we must first understand our shared evolutionary history.
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