Chiang Mai University is located in Chiang Mai, the largest and most famous province in the northern region of Thailand . The university offers various courses leading to Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral degrees. The Biology Department, Faculty of Science has been supporting students and lecturers to study on biology and diversity of primates such as leaf monkeys (Trachypithecus spp.), macaques (Macaca spp.), and giddon (Hylobates spp.)

In 1998, morphology of footprint of 27 species of captive mammals at Chiang Mai Zoo was observed by a student who studied for a Bachelor degree. These species were the representative of 13 families an included two families of primates, Cercopithecidae and Hylobatidae. The other 11 families were Rhizomyidae, Hystricidae, Ursidae, Mustelidae, Viverridae,Felidae, Elephantidae, Tapiridae, Suidae, Cervidae and Bovidae.

The university has also been supported the presenter to research on morphology of hair with the collaboration of Deakin University, Australia since 1997. More than 60 species out of eight orders were sampled. These orders are Insectivora, Primates, Lagomorpha, Rodentia, Carnivora, Proboscidea, Perrisodactyla, and Artiodactyla. The study includes the odservation for the macro and microstructure of mamalian's hair by using techniques adapted from Brunner & Coman (1974). Hair profile such as length and width, texture and band's pattern was observed for macrostructure. Microstructure such as medulla and cortex was observed by using cross section and whole mount techniques. The medulla/cortex's index is calculated to estimate similarity of each species. Scale pattern was observed by using cast technique and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Distinctive differences are found at the level of orders and families. However, to identify at the level of genus and species still needs more time and effort.

A project for a graduate student to study on behavior and ecology of white-handed gibbons (H.lar) at Tham Nam Lod Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Center, Mae Hong Son Province is just started in April, 1999 for a range of 18 month. There are three gibbons living at this center's area. A widowed mother and her young are untamed and mostly spend their time on trees. They were originally living at an adjacent area but immigrated to this area after the father was shot since last year. The other member is an adult male who was brought up by a foreigner but later released the gibbon into this place. The male gibbon is extremely tamed. It likes to mix around with tourists and some workers. It was sometimes considered as a nuisance. There were evidences that the female and young followed the male to stay at this place. Not only the data on daily activities of these gibbons will be obtained but also relationship among these gibbons, and interaction among gibbons and humans will be observed. A Master degree's thesis will be produced. Furthermore, recommendations on reintroduction and management of this species will be included.

The other project aims to re-survey on colonies of semi-tame macaques in Thailand. Former information was gathered by the presenter during 1989-1991 and published in Aggimarangsee (1992). In the survey, population size and age-sex composition, ranging behavior, habitat available, amount of provisioning by humans and attitudes of local people were assessed. A total of 52 sites were visited. There were 42 free-ranging colonies, two sites with captive animals only, and eight sites with both free-ranging and captive monkeys. At least 2.728 macaques were observed at 36 sites, including 2,538 M. fascicularis, (33 colonies), 103 M. mulatta (one colony), 56 M. assamensis (one colony), and 31 M. arctoides (one colony). Latest information in early 1999 confirmed a vanishing colony of M. fascicularis at Wat Tham Kunchorn, Ratchburi Province. Since the information is supposed to be revised in every 10 years, so that the coming project should be started in 2000.

Since the major obstacles to carry on any field research in Thailand are lacking of funding and safety for the female researchers, the real support from the University should be encouraged.