NO. 3662 PRIMATE BIOLOGY—NAPIER 21 
(Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage) system, which provides 
evidence of the dominant wave length of samples. 
A pilot study of Saimiri is already underway. Hopefully, this 
technique will provide a method that can be used by nonprimatolo- 
gists and primatologists alike to aid in the identification of the species 
under investigation. 
PopuLATION DyNAmics.—Information is urgently needed on the 
population numbers of free-ranging primates, particularly the most 
popular laboratory species, in order to guide future policies on importa- 
tion of primates and the establishment of breeding colonies in temperate 
climates. We have little or no precise knowledge of current wild popula- 
tion numbers or of population dynamics in the countries of origin of 
these animals. 
Primate population studies should provide information on popula- 
tion levels, population trends, export problems, holding stations, 
transport mortality, as well as local attitudes and customs involving 
primates that might affect exportation. 
This is a major project and will need to be developed in two phases: 
(1) The basic background knowledge of the distribution, abundance, 
and population dynamics will be gleaned from what is already pub- 
lished in the literature on primates. Much of it is archaic and impre- 
cise, but, nevertheless, there is much that is of value that should be 
collated as a first step. It will be possible to extract much information 
on distribution, less on abundance, and very little on population 
dynamics. (2) Following library research, there should be corollary 
field studies of several of the important species. Primary emphasis 
would be on the definition of ecological factors most critical in limiting 
population growth and those factors favoring population expansion 
and maintenance. Means of carrying out censuses of populations in 
various situations would be sought. Finally, model studies of the 
population dynamics of one or two important species should be 
undertaken. 
Much of the field work in the preliminary stages could be carried 
out in certain of the soft-currency countries under the Smithsonian’s 
Foreign Currency Grant Program. 
STUDIES OF THE HUSBANDRY AND WELFARE OF CAPTIVE PRIMATES.— 
One approach to the problem of diminishing stocks discussed above 
is obviously the increase of breeding and holding programs in artificial 
environments. Much more basic research is required before such pro- 
grams can supply all the animals of different species that scientists 
require. One must know, for example, the normal diet of the primates 
concerned, as well as its seasonal variations, and the typical locomotor 
habits and resting postures of the primates in order that appropriate 
