6 Best Books on Primatology

“Dispersing Primate Female” Book Review: This book focuses on different types of non-human primates, including muriquis, insect monkeys, wooly monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and colobine monkeys. In these species, female primates often leave their original group before they reach maturity and join other groups to reproduce. However, there is a lot of variation in their behavior. Some females may stay with their family group to avoid inbreeding, while others may interact with males from multiple groups after leaving their original group. This diversity allows them to find the best strategies for reproduction based on their local environment. Although we know the importance of understanding female dispersal patterns and life history for studying primate societies, we still have limited knowledge about what females do after leaving their original groups, how many different groups they visit before settling down, and which types of groups they choose to join. This is because of the wide range of behaviors and the difficulty of tracking females after they disperse from their natal groups.

“The Woolly Monkey” Book Review: This is an informative book that explores the lives of woolly monkeys in the Amazon rainforest. It provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by these fascinating primates. The book is divided into several chapters, covering topics such as the natural history of woolly monkeys, their behavior, ecology, conservation, and the threats they face. The authors draw on their extensive research to provide a comprehensive understanding of these monkeys and shed light on their current status. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in primatology, conservation, and the future of woolly monkeys.

“Monkeys, Apes and Humans” Book Review: This book introduces readers to the field of primatology in Japan through three research projects conducted by scientists at Kyoto University, a leading institution for primate studies. The projects aim to answer fundamental questions about our origins and what makes us similar to our primate ancestors. The first chapter, written by Naofumi Nakagawa, focuses on the social behavior of Japanese macaques. It explores research on primate culture, specifically highlighting the unique social display called the ’embrace’ observed in Japanese macaques, which is believed to be a socially transmitted behavior.

“The Chimpanzees of Bossou and Nimba” Book Review: The book showcases the valuable findings from extensive research conducted at Bossou and surrounding areas, including the Nimba Mountains and Diécké forest, which have greatly contributed to our understanding of wild chimpanzees. The research covers topics such as their tool use, cognitive development, stone tool technology, and culture. It emphasizes the complexity of chimpanzees’ minds and their social adaptability, highlighting the importance of ongoing conservation efforts for these endangered creatures. Chimpanzees offer valuable insights into our evolutionary origins, but their population in the wild is rapidly declining. The chimpanzees at Bossou and neighboring regions are a precious cultural heritage for all of humanity.

“Primates and cetaceans” Book Review: The editors present a comparative perspective on the social lives of primates and cetaceans, exploring how these intelligent mammals have evolved socially in both land and water environments. Despite their physical differences, there are many instances where these animals display similar patterns of complex social behavior. Through long-term field studies, researchers have gathered a wealth of information on various species, including their life histories, biology, social interactions, demographics, and behavioral patterns. This includes topics such as forming and maintaining social groups, from male-dominated to female-led groups, and from splitting into smaller groups to forming stable long-term societies.

“Post Genome Biology of Primates” Book Review: This is a comprehensive book written by Hirohisa Hirai and Hiroo Imai. It explores the exciting field of primatology after the sequencing of primate genomes. The book covers various chapters, including evolution, human origins, genome structure, chromosome genomics, and bioinformatics. It delves into the cutting-edge research on primate genetics and provides valuable insights into what makes humans unique. With its clear and accessible language, the book is suitable for researchers and students in primatology, anthropology, molecular science, evolutionary biology, and animal behavior. “Post-Genome Biology of Primates” is a valuable resource that expands our understanding of these fascinating creatures.