Many of the papers in this volume were first presented at the Third International Great Apes of the World Conference, held July 3-6, 1998 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The editors of this volume, the first in a two-volume series, have dedicated most of their lives to the study of great apes. Some of the world's leading primatologists, ethologists, and anthropologists present research on both captive and free-ranging African great apes. These scientists, through deep personal committment and sacrifice, have expanded their knowledge of chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas. With forests disappearing, many of these studies will never be duplicated. This volume, and all in the "Developments in Primatology" book series, aim to broaden and deepen the understanding of this valuable cause.