Building a Species Conservation Strategy for the Brown Howler Monkey (Alouatta Guariba Clamitans) in Argentina in the Context of Yellow Fever Outbreaks

Ilaria Agostini,Silvina Goenaga,Eduardo Lestani,Mariela Martínez,Ingrid Holzmann,Mario S Di Bitetti,Philip Miller,Pablo M Beldomnico,Martín M Kowalewski,Arnaud L J Desbiez,Luciana I Oklander,Eduardo S Moreno

doi:10.1177/194008291400700107

Abstract

The brown howler monkey ( Alouatta guariba clamitans) is endemic to South America's Atlantic Forest, with a small population extending into the northern portion of Misiones province in northeastern Argentina. In 2012, the species was classified as Critically Endangered in Argentina due to its highly restricted distribution, low population density and dramatic declines from recent Yellow Fever outbreaks. In March 2013, we organized an international workshop in Misiones to evaluate population status in Argentina and conduct a threat analysis. We developed population viability models using Vortex and Outbreak software packages. These tools allowed us to explore how several biological and demographic parameters of brown howlers, as well as factors related to Yellow Fever epidemiology, affect the probability of species extinction. The discussion among diverse specialists and analysis of model results identified Yellow Fever as the main threat to brown howler population persistence in Argentina. Our threat analysis, focused on the dynamics of Yellow Fever outbreaks and their impact on howler populations, led to the identification of gaps in knowledge that helped prioritize objectives and actions for the development of a Species Conservation Strategy in Argentina.

Highlights

The brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba) is endemic to the Atlantic Forest, ranging from the Brazilian states of Bahia and Espirito Santo in the north to Rio Grande do Sul and the Argentine province of Misiones in the south [1]
The workshop was facilitated by members of the IUCN/SSC’s Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG), who provided expertise in the development and use of quantitative risk assessment models used in data assembly and analysis
To address Objective (3), we developed the following vision statement about the “ideal future” for brown howler monkeys in Misiones in 100 years: “In 100 years’ time, the population of brown howler monkeys in Misiones is viable in terms of demography, genetics and health, and ecologically functional in an environment that maintains the original biodiversity of the region and in a human society committed to its conservation”

Summary

Introduction

The brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba) is endemic to the Atlantic Forest, ranging from the Brazilian states of Bahia and Espirito Santo in the north to Rio Grande do Sul and the Argentine province of Misiones in the south [1]. Vision, challenges and threats analysis For Objective (1) and part of Objective (2), we carried out a review of current knowledge on brown howlers, especially in Argentina, YF dynamics, the biology and ecology of known and potential vectors for this disease, and its impact on non-human primates.

Results

Conclusion