SUPPORTED PROJECTS

Population status and behavioural ecology of the critically endangered brown spider monkeys in Colombia

Andres Link

Brown spider monkeys (Ateles hybridus) are one of the 25 most endangered primate species in the world. These primates are considered as “Critically Endangered” mainly due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting. These threats coupled with their extremely long life cycles and broad ecological requirements increase the vulnerability of its remaining wild populations. Until recently, very little was known about the distribution, population structure, behavioural ecology and genetic variability of these primates. This project will assess the population status of four populations of brown spider monkeys in Colombia, conduct exploratory surveys to determine the presence of wild populations of brown spider monkeys, contribute to the evaluation of the effects of habitat alteration and fragmentation on the behavioral ecology and social behavior of the species, and lastly mentor several young conservationists in Colombia.