Graham L Banes

Graham L. Banes is a biological researcher whose work investigates how human activities affect evolution and wildlife conservation. Combining fieldwork, genomics and computational analysis, he studies inbreeding, outbreeding depression, disease ecology, mate choice and reproductive success. Orang-utans are his principal focus, and he has researched them since 2007, working with wild, rescued and zoo-housed populations.

Banes established an independent laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin, after serving at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. His Orang-utan Conservation Genetics Project uses a large collection of DNA samples to assess the consequences of mixing genetically distinct populations and to inform the management of displaced orang-utans and zoo collections. Other work examines genetic rescue options for a highly endangered captive species, chemical signals associated with orang-utan cheek pads, and the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation. His applied research aims to support lasting sustainability outcomes. Field surveys he led contributed to population assessments that informed Indonesia’s orang-utan conservation strategy.