Job Description of a Primatologist
Primatologists study various aspects of the lives, behavior and health of primate animals---which includes species of lemurs, monkeys, baboons, chimpanzees and gorillas.
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History
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One of the most famous primatologists is Jane Goodall, whose valuable research has led to fascinating discoveries about the similarities between chimpanzees and humans--as well as gorilla behavior.
Duties
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Most primatologists focus on one aspect of study. Work can include the cleaning of cages and feeding of primates at a zoo, biomedical research on a monkey's reproduction system, observing gorillas in the wild, managing a primate conservation or rescue center, or working one-on-one with chimpanzees in a laboratory.
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Work Environment
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The government, private institutions and corporate businesses employ primatologists. Job specializations can include scientists, researchers, college professors, veterinarians, conservationists, zookeepers and others, according to the North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research.
Education
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The NCABR recommends college courses in biological science---with an emphasis on evolutionary biology. Other studies should include animal behavior, ecology, computer science, statistics and technical writing. Choose an undergraduate major based on a particular area--zoology, anthropology, veterinary medicine or psychology. Knowing a foreign language is extremely helpful for field research.
Job Outlook and Pay
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More people are interested in studying primates than there are open job positions, reports the Wisconsin Primate Research Center Library. Look toward internships, zoo volunteer work and graduate degrees to give you the edge. The NCABR reports the average yearly salary for primatologists was $50,082 in 2006--although salaries vary with specific areas of study.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Marieke IJsendoorn-Kuijpers
