Distribution, conservation, and vulnerability to climate change of the Ecuadorian Brown-headed Spider Monkey (Primates: Atelidae)

Abstract

The Ecuadorian Brown-headed Spider Monkey (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps) is one of the most threatened primates globally; recently, it was recorded in areas where it had been considered locally extinct. We used ecological niche models to generate potential suitable areas within its current distribution and assess its potential adaptation to future climate change scenarios by 2050. The potential suitable areas for its distribution total 9556 km2. Habitat loss has divided the current range of the species in two large areas (north and south), and the effects of climate change will likely divide the section in several ecological units by 2050. Under the influence of climate change, the environmentally suitable area will contract between 26 and 46%. This contraction affects landscapes outside protected areas where A. f. fusciceps is currently present. Our results show a high fragility of ecosystems where the species is present, and current conditions pose a high risk for the species in the short term. We recommend focusing conservation efforts in northern protected areas while improving connectivity between southern forest remnants, where ecological conditions will remain steady in the medium term.