Fieldwork challenges: an overview from the working group "Parlons Terrain"

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Fieldwork in primatology—and many other disciplines—presents significant psychological and physical challenges. Many fieldworkers face recurring issues with lasting repercussions, with some challenges remaining largely neglected. In response, the working group Parlons Terrain ("Let’s Talk Fieldwork"), created by French biologists in 2024, promotes well-being and safety in fieldwork. In October 2024, we launched an online survey assessing challenges at different fieldwork stages: preparation, physical and mental demands, and post-field experiences. The survey, completed by 110 participants from diverse disciplines across all continents, revealed critical concerns. 58% of participants felt inadequately prepared for their first field mission, 63% experienced distress in the field, and 71% admitted to feeling unsafe. Alarmingly, 66% either personally experienced or knew someone who went through a traumatic event, with 84% of those incidents being of a sexual nature. Additionally, 70% of participants reported negative experiences upon returning from the field. By giving voice to fieldworkers, our research provides crucial insights into fieldwork conditions, allowing for a broader understanding of these challenges and the development of solutions to prevent them for future generations. Raising awareness among fieldworkers, students, supervisors, and institutions is essential to mitigate these risks. In this talk, we will not only present our findings but also discuss the concrete actions our group is undertaking to improve fieldwork conditions, with a focus on practical solutions and long-term impact.