8 Primates Project

We are developing extensive libraries of calls for all monkey species, and are using these to detect monkeys in the wider forests of Peru.

What is 8Primates Project?

We have one of South America’s primary wild primate research centers, with multiple groups of all eight species on the Tambopata River, all habituated through regular contact with visitors and scientists over the last 25 years. In the 8 primates project, we use behavioral follows and bioacoustics to categorize the range of vocalizations of all eight monkey species at Tambopata. We are developing extensive libraries of calls for all monkey species and are using these to detect monkeys and establish a monitoring program with local people in the wider forests of Peru. We need participants of all levels to add to our growing data

Join Wired Amazon! Train as a primatologist in the Peruvian Amazon!

The best way to train in bio-acoustic research and fieldwork is to do so ‘on-the-job’. By training with us, you can gain experience with eight different species, and learn skills in the current techniques used on-site, whether it's behavioral sampling on monkey groups of 8 different species, using photography and video to identify individual monkeys in the groups, making live recordings of primate communication or setting remote recorders to detect monkeys across the field site.

Collaborative research

We also encourage researchers from all institutions to get in touch with us about new avenues for research in the Peruvian Amazon. Our habituated monkey groups and open baseline data give your project a head start at Tambopata. We have Mark Bowler leading this awesome 8 primates project, and Jackeline Mendoza is our resident researcher.  

Participate as a citizen scientist while at Tambopata Research Center!

We will also need help from citizen scientists on visits of all lengths. You can become a part of our bio-acoustic landscape recordings by following a simple protocol for your daily activities or joining us on our monkey follows. Simply by making one-minute recordings on your phone, you can provide a real contribution to wildlife research and the allies of conservation, meanwhile having a fantastic stay in the Amazon of Peru, and enjoying a wide variety of activities and excursions that Tambopata Research Center has to offer you. Upgrade your experience by learning from the researchers at mealtimes and spending time with them and the monkeys as part of your unique stay

Become a volunteer

What activities will you carry out?

Collect acoustic data of the 8 primate species present at the Tambopata Research Center biological station. Organize, process, and analyze audio recordings according to established schedules and protocols. Participate in project outreach activities. Participate in the implementation of citizen science activities.

What benefit will you get?

Participation in the 8 Primates project led by Dr. Mark Bowler. Experience in the field of primate bioacoustics. Experience in primate ecology and behavior. Handling cutting-edge field technology. Training in data analysis software and application development. Opportunity to interact with other scientists and volunteers participating in other projects of the Wired Amazon Program. Participation certificate.

Profile and conditions

Be of legal age, highly responsible. Have a genuine interest in contributing to biodiversity knowledge. Have a willingness to work in a team, focused on fulfilling project activities and achievements. Ability to work in multicultural teams. Excellent communication skills. Candidates must demonstrate their availability to participate diligently in field activities and information processing: Data collection in the field is regularly carried out from 5 to 11 am and from 4 to 6 pm. Office work is organized at different times during the week. Availability to participate for at least 1 month, between the months of April, May, and June.