Abstract:
This essay summarizes some of my findings while studying primates in the field from 1962 to 2018. Although I have studied primates throughout the tropics, I focused on Africa, primarily the Kibale Forest of Uganda. My research began in the early days of primate field studies when very little was known about the behavior and ecology of most species. Consequently, I was able to study nearly anything that could be observed under natural conditions. It was not necessary to specialize, and I opted to be a generalist. In much of my work I have attempted to understand the relationships between habitat quality, social organization, and population dynamics, emphasizing the great intraspecific variability that exists over time and between areas. Vocalizations have also long been of interest to me, starting with a description of predator-specific alarm calls and later showing how vocalizations among African monkeys appear to be evolutionarily stable. As my field experience progressed, I became increasingly involved with the conservation of tropical rain forests. In the last part of this essay I offer my thoughts on current trends in field primatology and some advice to the next generation of field biologists, stressing the importance of being a naturalist.
摘要:
本文总结了我在1962年至2018年研究该领域灵长类动物的一些发现。虽然我研究过整个热带地区的灵长类动物,我专注于非洲,主要是乌干达的Kibale森林。我的研究始于灵长类动物野外研究的早期,当时对大多数物种的行为和生态知之甚少。因此,我能够研究几乎任何在自然条件下可以观察到的东西。没有必要专业化,我选择成为一名通才。在我的大部分工作中,我试图了解栖息地质量之间的关系,社会组织,和人口动态,强调随着时间的推移和区域之间存在的巨大种内变异性。发声也是我长期以来的兴趣,从描述特定于捕食者的警报呼叫开始,然后显示非洲猴子的发声在进化上是如何稳定的。随着我实地经验的发展,我越来越多地参与热带雨林的保护。在本文的最后一部分中,我对野外灵长类动物学的当前趋势以及对下一代野外生物学家的一些建议,强调成为自然主义者的重要性。