PRIMATOLOGY IN LATIN AMERICA: PRIORITIES AND CHALLENGES

JERUSALINSKY, L.; CORTEZ-ORTIZ L.; OKLANDER L.I.; KOWALEWSKI MM

Nairobi

Congreso; 27th International Primatological Society Congress; 2018

International Primatological Society

Neotropical primates comprise 30% of all extant Primate taxa, with 215 species and subspecies, 42% of which are threatened of extinction. The last two decades have witnessed an important growth in Latin American Primatology. Both local and foreign researchers working in the region have increased the number and diversity of field projects and reached taxa, subjects, approaches and geographic areas never explored before. An indicator of this growth is the creation and consolidation of national primatological societies (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru) and the re-foundation of the Latin American Society of Primatology (SLAPrim). In 2017, SLAPrim organized its 3rd Congress, including activities directed at identifying research priorities for the further development of primatology in the region, as well as workshops to pinpoint particular activities and services that the Society should promote for the benefit of Latin American researchers and students. The goal of the present round table is to highlight and discuss these priorities in the fields of diversity and systematics, ecology and behavior, conservation, and communication and outreach. We will discuss the role of the SLAPrim as a driver force of integration, cooperative production, accessibility to information, and capacity building that is steadily, but strongly, consolidating primatology in Latin America. We will continue refining our strategic plan and discussing challenges and opportunities to implement it and advance towards regional goals.