Primates and Primatologists: Reflecting on Two Decades of Primatological and Ethnoprimatological Research, Tourism, and Conservation at the Ubud Monkey Forest

The interface between humans and nonhuman primates (NHP) is expanding and intensifying. The Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali, Indonesia is a working
example of a multi-use, multi-species interface. This forest is an active religious
space, top tourist attraction, critical regional economic contributor, core habitat for
long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), and an important research and training
location. This chapter explores two decades of successes, challenges, and ethnoprimatological research at this site. Successes in the forest include developing a durable management system to effectively address the affairs of the forest and
surrounding villages, strong educational and outreach programs for the local community, initiatives to reduce plastic pollution and erosion, the establishment of
extensive veterinary care, and the development of a provisioning program suited to the nutritional requirements of the macaques. Challenges to the forest include rapid
macaque population growth, need for interventions for aggressive behavior, and
expansion of macaque ranging patterns outside of the forest. Research at the site is
the result of robust collaborations with Balinese, Canadian, European, and US universities, Indonesian and regional Balinese governments, and local stakeholders
working together to understand the dynamics of primate tourism, ethnoprimatology,
and human-NHP interconnections. In addition, the forest has been a critical space
for feld schools, scientifc training for developing STEM professionals, and collaborative research. This research and training relies on support from local communities, and cultural competency that includes strong communication, an appreciation
of historical context, and an understanding of religious and cultural institutions.
Today, the Ubud Monkey Forest acts as an excellent example of how to use tourist
revenues to stabilize and improve the health of NHP, conserve forest fragments
considered sacred or important to local people, and incorporate monies into local
economies to improve the lives and livelihoods of the primates who share these
landscapes.