Final Answer:
The primatologist who studied gorillas in the country of Rwanda, Africa, is Dian Fossey.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dian Fossey, an American primatologist, gained international recognition for her groundbreaking work with mountain gorillas in Rwanda during the 1960s and 1970s. Fossey's research focused on the behavior and social structure of gorillas, particularly the groups living in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Her immersive and long-term study contributed significantly to our understanding of gorilla ecology and behavior.
Fossey's work was instrumental in dispelling myths and misconceptions about gorillas while highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these endangered primates. Her observations and advocacy played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the threats facing gorillas, including habitat destruction and poaching. The establishment of the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda, founded by Fossey in 1967, served as a hub for primate research and conservation activities.
Tragically, Dian Fossey's life was cut short in 1985, likely due to her unwavering commitment to gorilla conservation. Despite her untimely death, her legacy endures through the continuation of research at the Karisoke Research Center and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, which continues to protect and study gorillas in Rwanda and neighboring regions. Fossey's work laid the foundation for ongoing efforts to safeguard these remarkable creatures and their habitats.