CICASP | Center for International Collaboration and Advanced Studies in Primatology

The third talk in our "International Primatology Lectures on Past, Present and Future Perspectives of the Field" showcases the journey of Dr. Ramesh Boonratana, into and out of primatology! 

During the talk, Dr. Boonratana accomplishes three things. Firstly, he shares his journey into primatology and away from it, with the aim to encourage primatology students and early-career primatologists to reflect and think creatively about their own chosen pathways.

Secondly, he shares some lessons learned and pitfalls to avoid when carrying out primate field research or conservation work.

Finally, Dr Boonratana offers himself to be a sounding board for the target audience to troubleshoot issues and constraints they may face pursuing this discipline.

Join us for Dr. Boonratana's talke, entitled "I am (NOT) a primatologist and other incoherent ramblings"

LiveStream on the CICASP YouTube Channel

• Date: August 25, 2021
• Time: 5PM Japan Standard Time (GMT+9)

For more information about Dr. Ramesh Boonratana, check out his BioSketch below.

International Primatology Lectures on Past, Present and Future Perspectives of the Field

In this lecture series, we explore various origin stories as told by famed members of our primatology comunity. All lectures are held in a private Zoom community and live streamed to our CICASP YouTube Channel.

Unlike most academic lectures, which are usually focused on testing scientific hypotheses, this series is designed to offer a feel for how one becomes a professional in the field of primatology. In a way, we might think of it as a career primer for young primatologists just starting their own journeys into the nether regions of Academia. At the same time, anyone might enjoy the stories told of big dreams, exotic locations and species, and the humanity inherent in forging a new path in life and in work. 

In addition to Professor Vernon Reynolds, we have also lined up other enticing speakers for future lectures, including Dr. Robin Dunbar, Dr. Elisabetta Visalberghi, and many others. 

Check out all videos in this series on our CICASP YouTube channel playlist, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with all our activities.

BioSketch - Ramesh Boonratana (a.k.a. Zimbo)

Ramesh obtained his Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Anthropology from Panjab University in India, where he studied the social behaviour of the Rhesus Macaques. He obtained his PhD in Biology from Mahidol University in Thailand studying the ecology and behaviour of the Proboscis Monkeys in North Borneo.

He worked for the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society for ten years. Initially as a field assistant and later working up his way up to become a Research Zoologist – carrying out wildlife surveys and studies in various parts of Southeast Asia – on large carnivores, megaherbivores (including the Sumatran Rhino and the Asian Elephant), threatened primates and threatened ecosystems.

He spent the next ten years as an independent consultant to various international organizations and agencies, working in Southeast Asia, East Asia and South Asia. As a consultant, he carried out diverse assignments relating to biodiversity conservation, ecosystems protection, training and capacity development, and tourism.

In 2006, he joined Mahidol University International College in Thailand as a faculty member. He still carries out the occasional consulting work – both paid and gratis. He also serves as the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group‘s Regional Vice-Chair for Southeast Asia and helps manage the Asian Primates Journal.