Ethics of Primate Fieldwork: Toward an Ethically Engaged Primatology

Posted: 25 Oct 2018

See all articles by Erin P. Riley

Erin P. Riley

San Diego State University

Michelle Bezanson

Santa Clara University

Date Written: October 2018

Abstract

Field primatologists have ethical responsibilities that extend beyond study subjects to the local human communities living near primate populations and their surrounding ecosystems. In this review, we explore the history of ethical discussions within anthropological primatology and examine the best practices for an ethically engaged primatology that should be followed and role-modeled by primatologists. An increasing number of primates are showing reduced population sizes and are in imminent danger of extinction; thus, we need to carefully consider the ethics of intervening to ensure the survival of remaining populations, the impact of anthropogenic factors (e.g., climate change), and whether long-term field research results in conservation outcomes that consider local human communities. Because best practices change over time as theoretical frameworks and methodological tools advance and scientific goals change, field primatologists must continually reflect on what constitutes ethical practice and consider how research influences the overlapping dimensions of fieldwork: primates, people, and ecosystems.

Suggested Citation

Riley, Erin P. and Bezanson, Michelle, Ethics of Primate Fieldwork: Toward an Ethically Engaged Primatology (October 2018). Annual Review of Anthropology, Vol. 47, pp. 493-512, 2018, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3272713 or http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev-anthro-102317-045913

Erin P. Riley

San Diego State University ( email )

San Diego, CA 92182-0763
United States

Michelle Bezanson (Contact Author)

Santa Clara University ( email )

500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053
United States

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