It is the early 1970s in Argentina and the expansion of soybean cultivation and cattle ranching are leading to increasing deforestation rates. The Gran Chaco forest, an ecologically rich region spanning Argentina to Brazil, is especially affected and facing dramatic habitat loss [1]. Amidst this ecological crisis, there is a glimmer of hope as, though the concept of “conservation biology” has yet to be formalized, conservation organizations are beginning to emerge [2].
During this time in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a young Dr. Eduardo Fernández-Duque was growing up. Although his journey into various scientific disciplines began later in life, Dr. Fernández-Duque’s passion for animals and the outdoors began in childhood, nurtured during weekends at his grandfather’s farm near Buenos Aires. There, he spent his time horseback riding, climbing trees, and exploring, which cultivated his love for nature. Today, Dr. Fernández-Duque continues to inspire others through his conservation initiatives. He takes great joy in seeing young people experience the wonders of nature for the first time. The enthusiasm he instills in others reflects the same excitement he felt as a child, ensuring that his passion for the natural world is passed on to future generations.
Although Dr. Fernández-Duque’s educational journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Buenos Aires, his educational exploration outside Argentina started with a hefty handbook and a crucial conversation. Searching for information on potential schools abroad he connected with Dr. Robert Murphey, who later became his advisor at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Murphey, an expert in cattle behavior and its significance in Argentina, invited Dr. Fernández-Duque to a lecture near Buenos Aires. This encounter led to an inspiring discussion about their shared interests.
Motivated by this interaction and after applying to several institutions, Dr. Fernández-Duque and his wife, who was also working on her dissertation, decided to move to UC Davis. Reflecting on their arrival to the U.S., Dr. Fernández-Duque said, “We had no idea where we were, no idea what we were going to do; everything was absolutely mind-blowing to us” [3]. Despite the challenge of securing funding as a non-U.S. citizen, he found that the Animal Behavior Graduate Group at UC Davis was “absolutely amazing and changed [his] life” [3]. It was here that his fascination with primates truly blossomed.
Dr. Fernández-Duque previously focused on the neurological behaviors of shore crabs in Buenos Aires and had planned to study capybaras in graduate school. Yet, his path shifted when he was introduced to primate research through his wife’s work on titi monkeys—a group of over 30 species in the subfamily Callicebinae. Discovering a new passion for primates, he pivoted his research to study them. Dr. Fernández-Duque’s ultimate goal was to return to Argentina and do something that extends beyond research and preserves an amazing part of the country, the Humid Chaco. Now, he takes pride in “engaging in work that will undoubtedly outlive [him] for many, many, many years” [3].
Throughout his career, he served as a fellow at esteemed institutions like Harvard University and the Zoological Society of San Diego [4]. In 2006, he joined the Department of Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania where he taught for eight years before becoming a faculty member in Anthropology at Yale University in 2014.
In Argentina, Dr. Fernández-Duque started initiatives that contribute to research, conservation, and public education. In 1996, he launched the Owl Monkey Project with Yale University to explore the genus Aotus and the ecosystems of the Humid Gran Chaco. He also led the Mirikiná Project, a subset of the Owl Monkey Project, on a privately owned cattle ranch to advance the scientific understanding of animal and plant life and protect regional biodiversity. In 1999, he co-founded Fundación ECO to promote conservation education and raise funds for efforts in the Argentinean Chaco. His projects have significantly grown over the years, now involving nearly 400 volunteers and assistants from many countries. Through these projects, he has raised local awareness about the value of their biodiversity.
Dr. Fernández-Duque’s research explores social monogamy, male-female relationships, and parental care in primates across Latin America, with a special focus on owl monkeys. In studies, such as “Moonstruck Primates,” he investigates how moonlight affects their nocturnal behavior and examines the impacts of temperature and social dynamics on their grouping [5]. Dr. Fernández-Duque’s work addresses the origin of behaviors in primates with the evolution of monogamy being a particularly challenging question across his various fields. His studies provide insights into our evolutionary past and our connections to other species.
Although Dr. Fernández-Duque conducts research in various locations, his primary focus is Argentina, where he collaborates with colleagues and students around the world. He also credits his family as significant contributors in his life; his wife as his best collaborator and the person who sparked his initial interest in primates, and his three sons who provide valuable assistance to his research projects. Dr. Eduardo Fernández-Duque’s multifaceted research career has significantly advanced our understanding of social monogamy, nocturnality, and social dynamics within primate populations, especially the lesser-known owl monkey(s). His studies contribute to what we know about primate behavior and human evolution today. He also aspires to protect Argentina’s natural heritage driven by the belief that “what we have is unique ” and should be preserved. Through his studies we continue to learn about the behavior of our non-human primate cousins and ourselves, paving the way for future discoveries and conservation efforts.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS SCIENCE HERO?
Have a Young Explorer who would benefit from knowing this Science Hero? Head over to the Sci Hero column on Animal Adventure Thursdays for printable Sci Hero Trading Cards featuring the Sci Hero’s “origin story” and super powers.
Watch this conversation with Dr. Eduardo Fernández-Duque from the Leakey Foundation’s “Lunch Break Science” series.
Read more about The Owl Monkey Project, founded by Dr. Fernández-Duque.
Watch this recorded talk by Dr. Eduardo Fernández-Duque on monogamy and paternal care in non-human primates.
Leah Hall (she/they) is a junior at UC Davis, majoring in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology. She is fascinated by animal behavior, particularly how different behaviors evolve across species and the evolutionary pathways that shape them. They are currently conducting research as an undergraduate lab researcher with amphibians and marine species, focusing on behavioral patterns and adaptations. In her free time, Leah enjoys caring for their pet gecko, named Lucky.
References:
[1] Grau, R., Gasparri, N. & Aide, T. M. (2005). Agriculture Expansion and Deforestation in Seasonally Dry Forest of North-West Argentina. Environmental Conservation, 32(140). https://doi.org/10.1017/S0376892905002092
[2] National Park System, Argentina (2019). In: Chen, A., Ng, Y., Zhang, E., & Tian, M. (Eds.), Dictionary of Geotourism (423–423). Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2538-0_1676
[3] Fernandez-Duque, pers. comm.
[4] Eduardo Fernandez-Duque – Explorer Profile (n.d.). National Geographic . https://explorers.nationalgeographic.org/directory/eduardo-fernandez-duque
[5] Fernandez-Duque, E., de la Iglesia, H., & Erkert, H. G. (2010). Moonstruck Primates: Owl Monkeys (Aotus) Need Moonlight for Nocturnal Activity in their Natural Environment. PLoS ONE, 5(9): e12572. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0012572
[Edited by Abigail Morris, Alexandra Shea, and Jessica Schaefer]