David Watts

David Watts is the Alison Richard Professor of Anthropology at Yale University, where he has been since 1996. Previously, he taught at Duke University and the University of Michigan. His research focuses on the behavioral ecology of nonhuman primates, with a particular emphasis on chimpanzees, gorillas, and fieldwork in natural habitats. He co-founded the Ngogo Chimpanzee Project in Uganda in 1995 and has been a leading figure in long-term primate behavioral studies. His work integrates collaborations with the Yale Reproductive Ecology Lab and Molecular Anthropology Lab, exploring primate social structures, predation, and evolutionary adaptations.

Watts earned a BA in Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania, followed by MA and PhD degrees in Anthropology from the University of Chicago. His research spans decades, with key projects including studies on mountain gorillas at Rwanda’s Karisoke Research Centre and extensive fieldwork on chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, Uganda. His work highlights the ecological and social dynamics of primate communities, including intergroup competition, hunting strategies, and conservation challenges.

Research interests include primate behavioral ecology, social learning, and the evolutionary links between chimpanzee behavior and human evolution. His studies frequently address topics such as dietary patterns, predator-prey interactions, and the impact of environmental changes on primate populations. Collaborations with colleagues like John Mitani and Kevin Langergraber have advanced understanding of chimpanzee community structures and reproductive strategies.

Watts has contributed to conservation efforts, particularly regarding chimpanzee habitat protection and anti-poaching measures. His recent work emphasizes the application of cutting-edge techniques like stable isotope analysis to study feeding transitions in infant primates and assess population health. His research has been supported by grants focusing on primate longevity, epigenetics, and anthropogenic impacts on endangered species.

Labs and field teams associated with his work include the Ngogo Chimpanzee Project and the Yale-based labs collaborating on reproductive and molecular anthropology projects. His contributions bridge field observations with lab-based analyses, offering interdisciplinary insights into primate behavior and conservation.