This month, we’re thrilled to feature Charles Kivasu Maingi, a fifth-year PhD student and dedicated primate conservationist whose fieldwork explores how primates persist in human-altered landscapes. Charles’s work focuses on the critically endangered Tana River mangabey, a species facing increasing habitat challenges due to anthropogenic pressures.
Meet Charles
Charles describes himself as a “primate conservation enthusiast yearning to learn how habitat changes influence their biology.” He’s passionate about fieldwork and relishes time in nature, especially walking through forests where primates roam. With field boots on and binoculars in hand, Charles has entered the data collection phase of his dissertation research.
His project was inspired by a central question in conservation biology: How do primates cope with habitat modification? More specifically, Charles is comparing mangabey groups living in heavily disturbed forests with those in less disturbed areas, investigating their behavior, stress levels, and health (including gastrointestinal parasites). By understanding their ability to adapt, he hopes to contribute to both primate conservation and our broader understanding of ecological and behavioral plasticity, insights that reflect evolutionary patterns seen in early hominins. 
Charles employs noninvasive techniques, collecting fecal samples for hormonal and parasite analyses and sampling plant materials for nutritional information. While still early in the fieldwork stage, his daily routine already begins at dawn, listening for the signature “whoop gobble” of the mangabeys, following their movements from sunrise until evening as they forage and rest.
CHES Support
Charles notes that CHES has been a key supporter of his work, both financially and intellectually. “Being the only major grant, I have received so far, I really appreciate it as it will enable me to kickstart the dissertation fieldwork,” he shares. Beyond funding, CHES talks have offered valuable opportunities to exchange ideas and learn from scholars across disciplines.
Field Moments and Challenges
Although logistical obstacles like export permits briefly delayed his research timeline, Charles has faced challenges with calm persistence, navigating bureaucratic systems and leaning on local networks. One of his favorite field moments? Observing mangabeys spread around him, completely unbothered by his presence as they feed on fallen Ficus sycomorus fruits (image attached).
Charles offers wise advice: “Visit your study site ahead of time and connect with researchers who’ve worked there before. Keep an open line with your academic advisor, be friendly with your field colleagues, and learn from the local community.” His philosophy? Keep an open mind there’s always more to learn.
When not immersed in fieldwork, Charles enjoys rest and quiet reflection, no doubt much needed after long days tracking primates in Kenya’s riverine forests.
