Neotropical primate conservation

Abstract

The greatest threat to Neotropical primates is the loss of tropical forest for agriculture, ranching, commercial logging and hydroelectric projects. Hunting of primates for consumption or sale and live capture for the pet trade and for biomedical purposes is also a threat to certain species. Twenty-eight of the 76 Neotropical primate species are considered endangered and the highest density of endangered taxa occurs in Brazil's Atlantic forest, followed by Amazonia and Middle America. The most endangered Neotropical primate genera are Brachyteles and Leontopithecus, followed by some species of Ateles, Lagothrix, Saguinus and the Central American squirrel monkey ( Saimiri oerstedii citrinellus). Solutions to the problems of primate conservation are discussed, including habitat conservation, protection against poaching and international primate trade, education, research and captive propagation, and examples of successful conservation efferts are provided.