New methods of conservation needed to prevent the extinction of great apes
Great apes, human’s closest living relatives, are knocking on the door of extinction. Traditional methods of conservation have helped, but these methods are no longer enough, say multiple-time Leakey Foundation grantees John Mitani and Andrew Marshall, researchers at the University of Michigan.
Ancient Teeth from Peru Hint Now-Extinct Monkeys Crossed Atlantic from Africa
A new discovery, funded in part by The Leakey Foundation, helps date the transatlantic migration of primates to about 34 million years ago, around the time a major drop in sea level would have made the ocean voyage shorter.
Dozens of Non-Human Primate Species Are Vulnerable to COVID-19
Dozens of non-human primate species, including our closest relatives, are at risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and are vulnerable to COVID-19, which could have devastating impacts on populations of primates that are already endangered.
Darwin: A Primate’s Tale
Darwin is a capuchin monkey who was born during a time of great prosperity for her group. She is the granddaughter of alpha male Pablo and the venerable alpha female Chupacabra. Darwin had a happy and relatively carefree childhood but her life since then has had its challenges.
Bonobo Diet of Aquatic Greens May Hold Clues to Human Evolution
With support from The Leakey Foundation, scientists have observed bonobos in the Congo basin foraging in swamps for aquatic herbs rich in iodine. Iodine is a critical nutrient for brain development and higher cognitive abilities, and this new research may explain how the nutritional needs of prehistoric humans in the region were met.