Demographic monitoring of wild muriqui populations: Criteria for defining priority areas and monitoring intensity.

Karen B Strier,Alcides Pissinatti,Andre M Lanna,Maurício Talebi,Leandro Jerusalinsky,Sérgio L Mendes,Fernanda P Tabacow,Carla B Possamai,Paula Breves,Fabiano Rodrigues De Melo,Leandro Moreira

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0188922

Abstract

Demographic data are essential to assessments of the status of endangered species. However, establishing an integrated monitoring program to obtain useful data on contemporary and future population trends requires both the identification of priority areas and populations and realistic evaluations of the kinds of data that can be obtained under different monitoring regimes. We analyzed all known populations of a critically endangered primate, the muriqui (genus: Brachyteles) using population size, genetic uniqueness, geographic importance (including potential importance in corridor programs) and implementability scores to define monitoring priorities. Our analyses revealed nine priority populations for the northern muriqui (B. hypoxanthus) and nine for the southern muriqui (B. arachnoides). In addition, we employed knowledge of muriqui developmental and life history characteristics to define the minimum monitoring intensity needed to evaluate demographic trends along a continuum ranging from simple descriptive changes in population size to predictions of population changes derived from individual based life histories. Our study, stimulated by the Brazilian government’s National Action Plan for the Conservation of Muriquis, is fundamental to meeting the conservation goals for this genus, and also provides a model for defining priorities and methods for the implementation of integrated demographic monitoring programs for other endangered and critically endangered species of primates.

Highlights

Accurate assessments of the conservation status of primate taxa depend on data about changes in the sizes and fragmentation of populations [1]
Additional analyses of the genetics of other populations of northern muriquis may lead to adjustments or additions to this list
Mata Escura in northeastern MG is the northernmost population of Brachyteles hypoxanthus and of the genus, and northern muriquis in Parque Nacional do Caparao inhabit the highest altitudinal range

Summary

Introduction

Accurate assessments of the conservation status of primate taxa depend on data about changes in the sizes and fragmentation of populations [1]. These assessments rely on the documentation of trends, such as declining population numbers and increasing population fragmentation, for estimating a taxon’s risks of extinction. Additional information, such as data on changes in sex ratios or in the proportion of reproductive (versus non-reproductive) females, can be critical for predicting the probability of future population growth or decline. Identifying which populations have the greatest probability of ensuring a species’ persistence and merit the closest monitoring is a necessary step in any species’ conservation action plan

Methods

Results

Conclusion