Primate Expertise

Primate Expertise (PEx) is a non-profit organization Dedicated to Primate Research and Conservation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the first inland African country with the most non-human primate species, counting more than sixty-five different known taxa. It is the forth richest country worldwide in non-human primate species diversity behind Brazil, Madagascar and Indonesia. Two ape species are endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo, including the bonobo (Pan paniscus) and eastern lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri), both widely known as iconic species. Despite its well acknowledged richness in primate species, the Democratic Republic of Congo has a very limited number of professional Congolese primatologists. Likewise, there exists no country-based professional institution solely dedicated to primate research and conservation. New universities are being created in the region, but very few teach wildlife-oriented courses and consequently very few young students are interested in wildlife sciences, including primatology. Due to this lack of interest, there is great concern for the long-term survival of the rich and diverse non-human primate fauna of DR Congo. It is to contribute to the promotion of opportunities in primate research and conservation initiatives that we created the Primate Expertise (PEx), which aims to be a professional institution dedicated to primate research and conservation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since earlier 1990s, we have been researching on great ape (eastern gorilla and chimpanzee) behavioral ecology, teaching wildlife oriented topics (including primatology) and working with local communities in conservation awareness programs within the Albertine Rift region, a well-known hotspot zone in terms of biodiversity richness. We provide extensive primate field research knowledge to strengthen non-human primate research and conservation while creating expanded linkages with regional research institutes and universities. In collaboration with local universities, Primate Expertise inspires young generation of Congolese primatologists to take the leadership in the fields of research and conservation to ensure long-term survival of non-human primate species living in harmony with local communities.