Primate Behavioral Ecology

by Karen Strier

Primate Behavioral Ecology , described as “an engaging, cutting-edge exposition,” incorporates exciting new discoveries and the most up-to-date approaches in its introduction to the field and its applications of behavioral ecology to primate conservation. Linda L. Taylor of the University of Miami declares, “ I can't imagine teaching a course on primate behavior or ecology without this text. ...Strier's writing style is a huge asset to keeping current information comprehensible for the target audience .” This unique, comprehensive, single-authored text integrates the basics of evolutionary , ecological , and demographic perspectives with contemporary noninvasive molecular and hormonal techniques to understand how different primates behave and the significance of these insights for primate conservation . Examples are drawn from the “classic” primate field studies and more recent studies on previously neglected species from across the primate order , illustrating the vast behavioral variation that we now know exists and the gaps in our knowledge that future studies will fill. William C. McGrew of the University of Cambridge, UK states, “ Overall, the synthesis and integration are outstanding…this is one of the best organized textbooks that I have ever seen, in any field…it is clear that Strier is actively involved in the forefront and not some armchair type !”

Genres: Textbooks, Science, Nonfiction, School, Animals

432 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2010

Reviews

[Zoë]

Although some of the material felt repetitive or vague at times, I enjoyed the author's personal touch regarding the muriquis throughout the book.

[Tom Oman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easily readable introduction to the practice and study of primate behavioural ecology and the different approaches taken by scientists and researchers.

[Stephanie Froebel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually started self studying with this textbook probably 2+ years back, but too a hiatus after I was washed by fieldwork, graduating university, and a miniature identity crisis. Since starting this textbook, I have identified that I do not want to go into the field of primatology with sustained longterm study, but my affection for primates is still undeniably strong, even if I try to reject it.

As such, I decided to finally wrap up this book in the same country that I started it all those years ago, right here in India. I wake up everyday and see monkeys, and I love that this is my temporary normal.

This textbook (mind you I read the 6th edition, but goodreads does not have that version just yet), is a very solid introduction to primatology. The terminology is all there, and there is a decent overview of many different species and research findings across the field. That being said, the text still heavily biases towards chimps and other great apes, which I guess is a consequence of the research bias that also exists for apes.

My wish that is that one day we can have strong study samples for all primate species across regions, particularly for my dear Lion Tailed Macaque and spider monkeys living in Bolivia. There is so much richness to be gathered from these species and it would be a missed opportunity to let that knowledge slip through our finger tips.

Hats off to Karen Strier for putting this book together. It is definitely one of the better larger texts on the subject.

[Little Seal]

This class was the death of me. The teacher didn't accommodate for my disability.

[Mellissa Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good! Excellent textbook- there is a lot of information, very helpful!