Brown spider monkeys (Ateles hybridus) are one of the 25 most endangered primates in the World. The main threat to its remaining wild population is the accelerated rate of habitat destruction. Spider monkeys are one of the most vulnerable primates, as they are large bodied frugivorous primates that require large areas to survive. Furthermore, they have long life history variables that constrains them from recovering from population declines.

This project will be developed on two forest patches at Las Quinchas, Colombia: “La Reserva El Paujil” (Fundacion ProAves) (6°03´ N, 74°16´ W) which is composed by three connected forest fragments exposed to intensive logging several years ago; and “La Guinea” (6°01´ N, 74°12´ W) which is a continuous forest with minor selective logging.

We will conduct focal follows on our two main study groups of brown spider monkeys and collect data on their diet, activity patterns, ranging behaviour, grouping strategies and demography. Biweekly phenological surveys (ca. 8 kms) and a vegetation plots will be done to assess for fruit productivity and plant structure and diversity at each site. These data will be compared between sites in order to begin understanding the effects of logging and fragmentation on the behavioural ecology of brown spider monkeys. Community workshops will be developed at each site focused on raising awareness amongst local children and people. These workshops will include both classroom activities with the local schools and field observations at the study sites.

This project will contribute significantly towards the conservation of Ateles hybridus and the Inter-Andean rainforests through:

♦ Providing continuity to the first long term project on the study of the behavioural ecology and population structure of wild brown spider monkeys, and generating data on the ecological strategies of spider monkeys living in heavily intervened forests;

♦ Raising local and international awareness of the critically endangered status of wild spider monkeys;

♦ Developing community workshops and training young biologists to conduct conservation oriented research in Colombia;

♦ Strengthening our collaboration with local NGO’s, private and governmental institutions.

This project is part of a long-term effort to develop conservation actions for brown spider monkeys in Colombia. It will evaluate the adaptive responses of brown spider monkeys to deforestation and habitat loss at Las Quinchas, Colombia. This study will also fill a gap on our knowledge of spider monkeys as most aspects of Ateles hybridus’ ecology and social behaviour remain largely unknown.