Primates are very responsive to environmental change, although the raction and ability to adapt varies from species to species. These differences reflect their life strategies and influence their social and reproductive fitness. Their responsiveness to changes are of intrinsic interest not only to scientists who study animal behaviour but also has a much wider significance as pressure mounts on natural habitats. Additionally, there is growing concern about the well-being of primates held in the artificial environments created by human beings for captive non-human primates.

This book concerns the various ways that primates respond to environmental change. By studying these patterns of responsiveness we not only gain useful knowledge about the structural, physiological and behavioural propensities of different species, but also acquire important information relating to issues of contemporary concern, such as conservation and the management of animals in the wild as well as in various forms of captivity. For example, there is growing concern among biologists and conser- vationists about the influence of habitat destruction, such as logging, on the fitness and...