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The Primate Family Tree is a beautiful and comprehensive resource on the subject of our animal relatives: apes, monkeys and lemurs. Readers will learn an abundance of facts, review recent research and conservation efforts and discover the remarkable characteristics shared by all primates, including humans.
The book is structured according to the four main branches of the primate family tree and contains expert information on the natural history, characteristics and behavior of over 250 species, along with maps showing the ranges of each species.
Some of the topics covered are:
- The definition of a primate
- Darwin's big idea, anthropological theories, DNA
- The structure of the primate family tree
- Distribution of species, including lorises and lemurs
- Diet, habitat, life cycles, social structure, communication
- Primate emotions
- Primates as "gardeners of the forest"
- Issues involving conservation, bush meat, civil war, habitat loss
- Primate tourism: does it help or hurt?
With its authoritative text, color photographs taken in the field, range maps and classification diagrams, The Primate Family Tree is an outstanding reference on a subject of vital importance to all humans.
Ian Redmond, a former field assistant to Dian Fossey, is a wildlife biologist with a passion for apes and elephants. He is the chief consultant for the UNEP/UNESCO Great Apes Survival Project and the founder of the Ape Alliance.
Jane Goodall is a primatologist, anthropologist and UN Messenger of Peace. She is renowned for her groundbreaking studies of chimpanzee social and family life in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, which span over 45 years.
"The book is beautifully designed, and the contents are well organized and will be interesting to all [...] An excellent text for a relevant course or a welcome addition to any home library. I recommend it very highly."
– Marvin Druger, Science Book and Films Journal on 01/04/2009
"This beautiful and data-filled book is a valuable resource that could profitably be on the shelf of anyone – professional, student, or tourist – with an interest in living primates."
– John G. Fleagle, Quarterly Review of Biology on 01/03/2009
"Redmond, who studied gorillas with Dian Fossey and now works to protect the great apes, presents a guide to the 270-odd species of primates in this beautifully illustrated guide to our kin."
– Nancy Bent, Booklist on 15/12/2008
