Biodiversity

The order of primates, with more than 500 species, is an extremely diverse group within the mammals. Biodiversity research at the DPZ covers all aspects of the biological diversity of non-human primates. In particular, we work on identifying and describing new species, reconstructing the phylogenetic development and geographical distribution of primates, and investigating how primates interact with and adapt to their environment at the ecological, behavioral, and genomic levels.
The DPZ is part of the Leibniz Research Network Biodiversity, which brings together the expertise of 19 Leibniz institutions to develop sustainable solutions to the biodiversity crisis.

DPZ researchers have been involved in describing 25 primate species to date. Many of these species are endangered. Knowledge about their distribution, ecology, and genetic differences is essential for the effective protection of these species.