Red-handed howler monkeys, Alouatta belzebul, occur in the most populated and non-protected region of the Brazilian state of Amapá, where soybean plantations are expanding rapidly. Anthropogenic cover surrounding forest patches negatively affects red-handed howler monkeys, which indicates the need for protected areas for the conservation of the species.

Our project aims to identify an effective strategy for the conservation of red-handed howler monkeys in Amapá. To achieve this goal, we will estimate the density of the species through passive acoustics in 15 forest patches and identify the environmental correlates of density. We will carry population viability analyses, assessing the minimum viable population, and the effects of hunting and genetic flux in the population viability. We will assess hunting levels through hunting calendars and raise awareness among local hunters about the importance of the species and its threats by talking directly with them. Therefore, we will be able to identify sites where howler monkey populations are viable and/or to manage the populations to promote their viability.

Management should include translocations of individuals, enhancing landscape connectivity, or promoting habitat changes that increase the species density. We will also try to create one or more protected areas, which would include viable populations of red-handed howler monkeys to assure the species conservation in Amapá.