It's monkey business! Primate researchers, or primatologists, study all
types of primates. These include everything from spider monkeys to the great
mountain gorillas.
Primatology is the scientific study of primates. It covers a number of
different disciplines. Some researchers are interested in the anatomy, physiology
and genetic coding of primates. After all, chimpanzees share 98 percent of
our own genetic code.
Other researchers are interested in primate psychology and communication.
Still other researchers are interested in species conservation and habitat
concerns.
Primate researchers may work at academic institutions and primate research
centers run by universities or the government. They may also work at private
research laboratories. Some primate researchers also work at zoos. They care
for and study captured primates.
Researchers can also spend their time in remote locations around the globe,
studying primates in their natural habitat. These studies often take place
over long periods of time.
Researchers in institutions maintain regular office hours. But those doing
fieldwork may have long and irregular hours that stretch over many months.
You might be traveling to remote locations. Or you could be traversing over
rugged terrain and living in sometimes not-so-good conditions. That requires
physical strength and stamina.