The genus Macaca is the most widely distributed of nonhuman primates and is found in twenty countries in Southeast Asia and North Africa. Over the comparative short time span of five million years, macaques have evolved diverse forms, from long-tailed arboreal types to robust terrestrial animals, and inhabit a variety of habitats. Although macaques are probably one of the most studied monkeys both in the wild and in captivity, data from long-term studies and pioneering work of little-known species are only just emerging. In this book, world authorities on macaques interpret recent research and present up-to-date syntheses of many aspects of macaque ecology, evolution, behavior and conservation.

The genus Macaca is the most widely distributed of non-human primates. All macaque species, except the North African Barbary macaque, are found in 20 countries in the South-East Asia region. Fossil evidence suggests that, in the Pleistocene period, the macaques were more widespread, living throughout most of Eurasia and northern Africa, but they have now disappeared between North Africa and South-East Asia. Over the comparatively short time span of 5 million years, macaques have evolved diverse forms, from long tailed arboreal types to robust terrestrial animals, and live in a variety of habitats. Studies of this group will give us important insights into the speciation process in a radiating group of non-human primates. Although macaques are probably one of the most studied cercopithecine monkeys both in the wild and in captivity, data from long-term studies and pioneering work of little-known species are only just emerging. In this book, world authorities on macaques interpret recent research and present up-to-date syntheses of many aspects of macaque ecology, evolution, behaviour and conservation. This book will prove to be the definitive synthesis of the subject for all those interested in this fascinating group of monkeys for many years to come.

In the face of ever-declining biodiversity, zoos have a major role to play in species conservation. Written by professionals involved in in-situ conservation and restoration projects internationally, this is a critical assessment of the contribution of zoos to species conservation through evidence amassed from a wide range of sources. The first part outlines the biodiversity context within which zoos should operate, introducing the origins and global spread of zoos and exploring animal collection composition. The second part focuses on the basic elements of keeping viable captive animal populations. It considers the consequences of captivity on animals, the genetics of captive populations and the performance of zoos in captive breeding. The final part examines ways in which zoos can make a significant difference to conservation now and in the future. Bridging the gap between pure science and applied conservation, this is an ideal resource for both conservation biologists and zoo professionals.