Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Anthropology (MA)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Anthropology

Advisor/Mentor

Ungar, Peter

Committee Member

Fung, Cadi

Second Committee Member

Plavcan, Joseph

Keywords

Ecotourism; Human impacts; Primatology

Abstract

Biodiversity assessments identify 612 extant species of primate, but ~50% of these species are at risk of extinction. Threats include agricultural and industrial production, urban development, and poaching. As concerns have grown regarding impacts on the environment, researchers have proposed ecotourism as a tool for conserving ecosystems while improving human welfare. Although conservation initiatives are pursued at these ecotourist sites, the presence of humans can cause additional influences on non-human primates (NHP). Primatologists have posed questions regarding implications of ecotourism on NHP, but research remains scarce. This study will investigate the practices executed at ecotourist sites where endemic NHPs reside. A qualitative synthesis will be conducted to summarize primary, peer-review research which discussed habituation, ecotourism, and the effects of those variables on NHP population and local peoples. Four case studies will be included to assess impacts on two groups: local peoples and non-human primate species. The case studies include Bwindi National Park and mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei), Berenty Reserve and ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), Mayange National Nature Reserve and François langurs (Trachpithecus francosi), and Manuel Antonio National Park and white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus imitator). Each group will be used to identify similarities and differences between conservation approaches and the severity of the impacts observed to better understand the status quo.

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