In the early days of expeditions, a naturalist's field equipment consisted of little more than a gun, the means to preserve specimens, and luggage bearers. Later on, field primatologists relied on pencil and paper, binoculars, a compass and, if they were studying nocturnal species, a torch. More recently, a shift in emphasis towards integration of methods has led to collaboration between laboratory and field researchers working on wild primates. Technological advances have presented fieldworkers with the opportunity to collect more sophisticated data, store samples for later laboratory analysis, analyse samples in the field and collect information remotely. This has led to an increase in data concerning (for example): population and group structure; growth, development and physiology; and the application of non-invasive techniques for DNA analyses and hormonal assays. Ecological methods and techniques available for monitoring primate habitats have also improved, with the application of remote sensing, mapping (Global Positioning System, GPS), and data integration (Geographical Information Systems, GIS). These methods open up possibilities for collecting new information on previously studied populations, and a means for collecting data on species that, for example, cannot be habituated for behavioural observations. However, these technological advances come at a time when 64% of primate species are under threat and insufficient data are available to assess the status of a further 11% of species (2000 IUCN Redlist of threatened species).