Primate Conservation Number 20
The Journal of the IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group - Primate Conservation
2006Download Primate Conservation 20 (all chapters) | 8MB PDF document | 7.6MB Winzip file
CHAPTER LIST
Primates in Peril: The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates 2004-2006 (pp. 1-28, 1MB PDF)
Russell A. Mittermeier, Cláudio Valladares-Pádua, Anthony B. Rylands, Ardith A. Eudey, Thomas M. Butynski, Jörg U. Ganzhorn, Rebecca Kormos, John M. Aguiar and Sally Walker
This list of the world’s 25 most endangered primates was developed at the 20th Congress of the International Primatological Society (IPS) in Torino, Italy, in August 2004. The IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group and Conservation International initially produced this list in 2000 to promote public awareness of the critical situation of numerous primate species around the world. The IPS endorsed a 2002 revision of the list, which was released following a special open-discussion meeting at the 19th Congress of the IPS in Beijing, China. The current list, a joint venture of the Primate Specialist Group, IPS, and Conservation International, was developed in an open-discussion session attended by nearly 200 primatologists. The species and subspecies that appear in the 2004-2006 list were chosen not only for the degree of threat to their populations, but also as representatives of a region, ecosystem or taxonomic group. With 50 contributors overall*, this article provides a brief summary of the conservation status of each: Madagascar—Prolemur simus, Eulemur albocollaris, Propithecus candidus, P. Perrieri; Africa — Mt. Rungwe galago (Galagoides sp.), Procolobus pennantii pennantii, Procolobus rufomitratus, Cercocebus atys lunulatus, Cercocebus sanjei, Gorilla beringei, Gorilla gorilla diehli; Asia — Loris lydekkerianus nycticeboides, Simias concolor, Presbytis hosei canicrus, Trachypithecus delacouri, Trachypithecus poliocephalus poliocephalus, Semnopithecus vetulus nestor, Pygathrix nemaeus cinerea, Rhinopithecus avunculus, Nomascus nasutus hainanus, Pongo abelii; Neotropics — Leontopithecus caissara, Cebus xanthosternos, Ateles hybridus brunneus, and Brachyteles hypoxanthus.
*Alexandre T. Amaral, Simon K. Bearder, Jean Philippe Boubli, Douglas Brandon-Jones, Gustavo Canale, Camila Cassano, Tim R. B. Davenport, Thomas R. Defler, Jinie Dela, Luiz Gustavo Dias, Carolyn L. Ehardt, Susie Ellis, Agustin Fuentes, Carlos Eduardo Guidorizzi, Frank Hawkins, Steig Johnson, Maria Cecília M. Kierulff, William R. Konstant, Annette Lanjouw, Mark Leighton, Jean-Marc Lernould, Lindsay Magnuson, W. Scott McGraw, Sérgio Lucena Mendes, David Meyers, Alan R. Mootnick, Alba Lucia Morales-Jiménez, Tilo Nadler, K. Anna I. Nekaris, John F. Oates, Lisa Paciulli, Andrew Perkin, Fabiana Prado, Martina Raffel, José Vicente Rodríguez-Mahecha, Noel Rowe, Gabriel Rodrigues dos Santos, Ian Singleton, Roswitha Stenke, Jacqui L. Sunderland-Groves, Karen B. Strier, Thomas T. Struhsaker, Roland Wirth and Zhaoyuan Li.
Neotropical Region
On a New Species of Titi Monkey, Genus Callicebus Thomas, from Western Bolivia (Primates Pitheciidae) with Preliminary Notes on Distribution and Abundance (pp. 29-39, 1.3MB PDF)
Robert. B. Wallace, Humberto Gómez, Annika Felton and Adam M. Felton
This paper describes a new species of titi monkey, Callicebus aureipalatii, recently discovered in the Madidi protected area of northwestern Bolivia. Descriptions are based on observations, photographs and video material, and the subsequent collection of two specimens. Preliminary surveys and notes on habitat associations indicate that C. aureipalatii is limited in distribution to the western side of the Río Beni. It is found in the Andean foothills and immediately adjacent lowland forests. Line transect studies at four sites and subsequent extrapolations based on available suitable habitat suggest that population densities are sufficiently high to ensure the protection of this species within the confines of the Madidi protected area. This finding is discussed with reference to the general lack of knowledge regarding titi monkey distributions in Bolivia.
Identification, Behavioral Observations, and Notes on the Distribution of the Titi Monkeys Callicebus modestus Lönnberg, 1939, and Callicebus olallae Lönnberg, 1939 (pp. 41-46, 587K PDF)
Adam Felton, Annika M. Felton, Robert B. Wallace and H. Gómez
We conducted field surveys for titi monkeys (Callicebus spp.) in the vicinity of the original collection sites of two poorly known species, Callicebus olallae and Callicebus modestus. Two distinct Callicebus forms were photographed and filmed, and according to an examination of existing literature as well as the original specimens, these represent C. olallae and C. modestus. They occur in patchy and fragmented grassy woodlands and appear to be at least locally threatened by hunting. Both were known from single locality collections and the taxonomic distinctiveness of these forms urgently needs to be further investigated, as does their true conservation status.
A Survey of Primate Populations in Northeastern Venezuelan Guayana (pp. 47-52, 310K PDF)
Bernardo Urbani
The region of the Guiana Shield is extraordinarily rich in biodiversity. Little is known, however, of the biogeography and conservation status of its diverse primate taxa. The aim of this study was to conduct a rapid survey of primate populations in the northeastern-most part of the state of Bolívar, Venezuela, near the border with Guyana. A previous study had indicated that the white-faced saki (Pithecia pithecia), wedge-capped capuchin (Cebus olivaceus), and red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus) were present in this area. It had also been suggested that black spider monkeys (Ateles paniscus), golden-handed tamarins (Saguinus midas), and night monkeys (Aotus) may be present in this part of the Venezuelan Guayana. Forty-nine sites of the Río Cuyuní basin were surveyed. Pre-existing forest trails were walked and the Río Cuyuní was also censused by boat. Interviews with local people at all the sites indicated that the only primates inhabiting this region are A. seniculus, C. olivaceus, and P. pithecia. S. midas is not present (or is extremely rare) in the northeastern part of the state of Bolívar. References to night monkeys may well refer to Potos fl avus. The presence of an isolated population of Ateles remains uncertain. Cattle ranching, mining, hunting, logging, and the pet trade are major threats to the primates in this part of Venezuela. Further primate surveys should be conducted in the western Guiana Shield.
A History of Long-term Research and Conservation of Northern Muriquis (Brachyteles hypoxanthus) at the Estação Biológica de Caratinga/RPPN-FMA. (pp. 53-63, 402K PDF)
Karen B. Strier and Jean Philippe Boubli
Northern muriquis (Brachyteles hypoxanthus) are endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic forest, and rank among the most critically endangered primates in the world. The 957-ha forest at the Biological Station of Caratinga/Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural – Feliciano Miguel Abdalla (EBC/RPPN-FMA), in Minas Gerais, supports a population of more than 230 individuals, one of the highest population densities known. Long-term research and conservation efforts have been underway there since 1982, during which time the behavioral ecology, reproductive biology, and life histories of members of one of the two original groups (Matão) have been systematically monitored. These data, together with a census conducted in 1999, signaled the importance of expanding the project to include the entire population at this site. Since 2002, all four of the muriqui groups that now inhabit this forest have been monitored. While continuing to provide training and research opportunities for Brazilian students, our new research initiatives are focusing on understanding the demography and ecology of this population. Analyses of vegetation structure and composition indicate that the forest at EBC is relatively species-rich compared with other tropical rainforests worldwide. Tree mortality and recruitment are relatively high and overall primary productivity, as measured by litter fall, is average for tropical forests. Given that the forest at EBC has suffered the impact of selective logging, fire, and agriculture, we believe that its high rate of turnover may be a response to past disturbance regimes, and one of the reasons muriquis are doing so well here. It has been proposed that primates that include substantial amounts of leaves in their diet may be favored by habitat disturbance if that means an increase in the availability of more palatable and more nutritious leaves. In addition, in terms of fruits, muriquis are very opportunistic feeders, not appearing to select fruits of any particular, size, shape, or dispersion syndrome. This paper reviews the history of research and conservation activities on behalf of this critically endangered species at a critically important field site.
Africa
Geospecies and Superspecies in the African Primate Fauna (pp. 75-78, 206K PDF)
Peter Grubb
Primate taxa in Africa (and elsewhere) are not randomly distributed. Most are dispersed in monophyletic groups of allopatric taxa, termed superspecies, but some species cannot be allocated to superspecies because any allopatric sister species that once existed are now extinct. These two categories — superspecies and species not assignable to superspecies — are together termed geospecies. African primates belong in 33 geospecies. The number of geospecies is an index of the continent’s faunal diversity and in that sense is the highest of all primate faunas, with implications for conservation strategy.
English Common Names for Subspecies and Species of African Primates (pp. 65-73, 273K PDF)
Peter Grubb
Approximately 1,000 English-language names have been used for African primates. Grubb et al. (2003) chose a single common name for each species (with a few exceptions) and for each subspecies. The present paper provides the opportunity to compare these preferred names with others published in the literature. The aim is to encourage primatologists to evaluate the choice of names, to assess the principles adopted in compiling the selective list, to amend this list where they see fit, preferably in appropriate publications, and to comment on the whole exercise.
Asia
The Pros and Cons of a Consensus List of Asian Primate Subspecies (pp. 89-93, 257K PDF)
Douglas Brandon-Jones
For effective international implementation, conservation action and legislation should rest on a broadly accepted scientific classification. Such classifications must keep pace with advances in taxonomic research. Provision is necessary for potentially as well as currently recognized taxa. Regional classifications of primate subspecies are scarce. None was published from 1968 to 1997 for Asian primates as a whole. Napier and Napier’s (1967) now outmoded (global) classification was only a list. Groves’ (2001) classification caused consternation in the number of subspecies promoted to species. In response, a workshop was convened in Florida, USA, in 2000 to address this issue and to compile a consensus classification. The resulting Asian annotated list was published in 2004. Such a compilation usefully collates various taxonomic sources in a single reference citable as that adopted in reporting research results. This need not imply wholesale acceptance. Departures can be specified. The classification can, and should be, the springboard for further research. Its consensual nature tends to reduce individual bias and error and broadens the research input. Conversely, a single-authored classification might surpass it in consistency of taxonomic approach and in evading awkward compromise. By its rarity any classification risks entrenchment, discouraging further taxonomic research and encouraging antipathy toward its successors. Confl icts over the signifi cance of genetic evidence and other questions raised during the compilation of the Asian list confirm that, like its predecessors, this list is not definitive. It should and will be superseded.
A Conservation Action Plan for the Mentawai Primates (pp. 95-105, 351K PDF)
Danielle J. Whittaker
In this Conservation Action Plan, I evaluate the status of and make conservation recommendations for the four endemic primates of the Mentawai Islands: Kloss’s gibbon (Hylobates klossii), the simakobu monkey (Simias concolor), the Mentawai langur (Presbytis potenziani), and the Mentawai macaque (Macaca pagensis). There are two subspecies of each of the cercopithecines. They are threatened mainly by hunting and commercial logging. This action plan follows up on the recommendations made for the Mentawai primates in the IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group’s Action Plan for Asian Primate Conservation:1987–91 by Ardith Eudey, and includes data and recommendations from researchers who have studied them since 1980. I also include a brief history of conservation action in the Mentawai Islands to put these recommendations in a historical context. I recommend the following conservation status changes: Kloss’s gibbon, Endangered; simakobu monkey, Critically Endangered; Mentawai langur, Endangered; and Mentawai macaque, Vulnerable. The largest populations of the four species can be found in Siberut National Park on the largest and northernmost island, but all but Kloss’s gibbon have distinct subspecies on the southern islands of Sipora, North Pagai, and South Pagai, and these are urgently in need of protective measures. The national park is remote and difficult to access by researchers and tourists. I suggest the following conservation actions: 1) increased protection for the Siberut National Park, which currently lacks enforcement; 2) formal protection of the Peleonan forest in North Siberut, which is home to unusually high primate populations and is easily accessible; 3) protect areas in the Pagai Islands by cooperating with a logging corporation that has practiced sustainable logging techniques there since 1971; 4) conservation education, especially regarding hunting; and 5) the development of alternative economic models for the local people to reduce the likelihood of selling off their lands to logging companies.
The Distribution and Status of Hoolock Gibbon, Hoolock hoolock, in Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland in Northeast India (pp. 79-87, 598K PDF)
Anwaruddin Choudhury
In India, the hoolock gibbon, Hoolock hoolock, occurs only in a small part in the northeast, south of the Brahmaputra River and east of the Dibang River. This article describes its distribution, habitat, status, and conservation in the states of Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland. The hoolock gibbon still occurs in all four states but in much depleted numbers. It has been recorded from altitudes of less than 50 m in Meghalaya to above 2,600 m in Nagaland. The gibbon is nowhere abundant due to hunting and, except a few protected areas, it is found in scattered groups, where their survival is doubtful in the long term. A rough population estimate indicates that the total numbers could be between 1,700 and 2,200. Habitat destruction and fragmentation and poaching are the main threats. The hoolock gibbon is protected by law in India and occurs in at least 17 protected areas in these four states. The creation of more protected areas, adequate protection of existing protected areas, control of jhum cultivation and poaching, and awareness and involvement of churches and village headmen in conservation are recommended.
Conservation of Threatened Primates of Northeast India (pp. 107-113, 355K PDF)
Arun Srivastava
The northeastern region of India also, referred to as a “biogeographical gateway,” is the transition zone between Indian, Indo-Malayan and Indo-Chinese biogeographical regions. Primates are an important component of this region’s biodiversity. The objectives of our study were to map the distribution and status of the different primate species to record habitat fragmentation, and to assess present forest status and human population pressures in Northeast India. Between 1994 and 2001, we surveyed several protected, reserved, and unclassified forests (about 650,000 ha) using a modified line-transect method to cover all representative areas in a randomly stratified manner to estimate density and distribution of primate species. Four species of macaque (rhesus, Assamese, northern pig-tailed, and stump-tailed) and three species of langur (capped, golden, and Phayre’s), the hoolock gibbon, and the Bengal slow loris were sighted. The species recorded occur in very low densities with low numbers of immatures, and are threatened due to habitat loss and hunting. Recommendations were made to upgrade the status of many reserved forests, to make improvements to the country’s wildlife laws, to increase the number of protected areas in the region, for public education and community participation programs, and political action to implement effective conservation strategies.
