Peru Hosts Primatology Congress to Bolster Primate and Habitat Protection Efforts

From July 30 to August 2, 2026, Lima, Peru, will host the III Peruvian Primatology Congress, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to enhance scientific research and conservation strategies for primates and their habitats. The event aims to foster knowledge exchange and collaborative efforts among public institutions, researchers, specialists, students, conservation organizations, and community representatives. The National Forest and Wildlife Service (Serfor), under the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, is a co-organizer and will present its policies and progress, including the National Conservation Plan for Threatened Primates 2019-2029. Operating under the slogan "We are all primatologists," this edition emphasizes that primate conservation extends beyond the scientific community, involving broader participation. The congress will feature international keynote speakers, symposia, oral presentations, poster sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities for approximately 150 participants. Serfor's executive director, Erasmo Otárola Acevedo, highlighted Peru's status as a global leader in primate diversity, with 47 species across its Amazonian, Andean, and coastal regions, underscoring the critical link between scientific knowledge and conservation actions. Fernando Carcelén Cáceres, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the National University of San Marcos, stressed the importance of scientific research and inter-institutional cooperation in addressing the survival challenges faced by primates and other wildlife. Fanny Cornejo, President of the Organizing Committee and Executive Director of Yunkawasi, noted the congress's goal to bridge scientific research with on-the-ground experiences, advocating for the inclusion of community members, park rangers, and authorities in conservation efforts. The program will also showcase monitoring and conservation initiatives from seven protected areas managed by the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp). The organizing committee includes the Peruvian Primatology Association, Yunkawasi, Mono Tocón Project, and Kawsay Biological Station, with co-organization by the Ministry of Environment, Sernanp, Serfor, and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the National University of San Marcos. Support comes from various national and international organizations.