People–primate interactions: implications for primate conservation

In this chapter, patterns of interactions are reviewed, from benign to mutually harmful, that characterize people–primate relationships, and the main social and ecological factors shaping people–primate coexistence are summarized. The reasons why certain primate species are better able to share landscapes with their human neighbours are examined, along with factors that influence people’s perceptions of, and attitudes, towards them. The chapter stresses how, at a local level, variations in socio-economic and cultural norms and values often underlie negative interactions between humans and primates. Lessons learned from studies to reduce negative interactions between people and primates are discussed, and broader scale landscape approaches that could facilitate effective primate conservation and human livelihood objectives examined. Finally, it is emphasized that understanding people–primate interactions requires a multifaceted approach, combining detailed understanding of the context, and needs of the different stakeholders, human and animal, and drivers of changing patterns of coexistence.