New England Primate Conservancy

06/20/2026

Prepare for an exciting journey into the science of species identification! Discover how to classify nonhuman primates as you put on your scientist hat, decode clues, and create dichotomous keys to tell feisty tamarins apart from lively lemurs. Let the scientific sleuthing begin! https://neprimateconservancy.org/dichotomous-key/

06/20/2026

The calls of galagos have provided researchers with important clues on how to differentiate species from one another. The mountain dwarf galago’s unique rolling, double-unit repetitive call helped researchers first classify their species. The mountain dwarf galago is most often heard at dusk, but its alarm call has been heard throughout the night. Learn more: https://neprimateconservancy.org/mountain-dwarf-galago/

06/19/2026

Tarsiers are among the world's most unusual animals! They are surely the most unique primates. Small, nocturnal, arboreal, mostly solitary, and the only fully carnivorous primates. They can turn their heads 180° on each side, and they can hunt in darkness by hearing their prey. They are perfect predators. Watch the video to learn about tarsiers...in a nutshell.

Tarsiers are among the world's most unusual animals! They are surel...

06/19/2026

The silvery-brown tamarin is a highly social and vocal species. They use a variety of sounds in various social and non-social contexts. Today, we know that they use around 19 different sounds associated with different behaviors.
For example, they emit two types of whistles while exploring their territory and foraging. These calls are high-frequency and quite short, making them very effective against predator detection. These whistles are probably used to keep close contact with other members of the group. Learn more: https://neprimateconservancy.org/silvery-brown-tamarin/

06/18/2026

Looking for a lesson that builds critical thinking without adding prep time? Educated Guesses helps students practice evidence-based reasoning using primate diversity as a case study. The focus is on how students think—not on getting the “right” answer—making it easier to assess reasoning, reduce answer-chasing, and support meaningful discussion. Clear structure, flexible implementation, and strong alignment with scientific thinking skills make this an easy addition to existing curricula. neprimateconservancy.org/educated-guesses/

06/18/2026

Though night monkeys in general are known for being nocturnal, certain populations of Azara’s night monkeys found in the Gran Chaco are known to have bursts of activity during daytime. This is likely to avoid certain natural stressors, like climate and predators. Among the more nocturnal populations, activity levels tend to increase when the moon is brighter, probably because the additional light helps them see and navigate familiar paths in the treetops. Learn more: https://neprimateconservancy.org/azaras-night-monkey/

06/17/2026

They’ll steal your lunch, your hat, and even your glasses—but they might trade them back for the right snack! Macaques are clever, observant, and almost as adaptable as humans. Found in an incredible range of climates and habitats, they’re intelligent, resourceful, and far more complex than their mischievous reputations suggest. It’s time to see these magnificent monkeys in a new light.

They’ll steal your lunch, your hat, and even your glasses—but they ...

06/17/2026

The most distinctive feature of Mentawai surili communication is the use of loud, far-carrying calls, typically produced by adult males. These low-frequency, penetrating calls travel through the dense forest and are often emitted in series between 3 and 5 AM. These long-distance calls serve to advertise territorial boundaries, to keep the group together when individuals are spread out, and possibly to signal the attention of potential mates. Learn more: https://neprimateconservancy.org/discovering-primates/

06/16/2026

Asia’s leaf monkeys, or colobine monkeys, include about 55 species that include langurs, lutungs, and surilis. They are slim, long-tailed monkeys that mostly eat leaves, using their special multi-chambered stomachs to digest tough plant food. Many live high in the trees, though some, like gray langurs, also thrive on the ground and even in cities. They play a vital role in forest health by dispersing seeds and promoting plant growth through their foraging habits.

Asia’s leaf monkeys, or colobine monkeys, include about 55 species ...

06/16/2026

Common patas monkeys play an important role in maintaining the health and balance of the savanna ecosystems they inhabit. As omnivores with a varied diet, they influence both plant and insect populations across their range. Because they spend much of their time on the ground and move through large home ranges, patas monkeys connect different parts of the ecosystem, carrying nutrients, seeds, and energy across the savanna as they travel. Learn more: neprimateconservancy.org/common-patas-monkey/