Adult male woolly monkey (Lagothrix cana) at the Manu Learning Centre, Mascoitania reserve. ©Marcus Brent-Smith

Woolly monkeys (Lagothrix cana) are the least known primates in the wild. They are listed as Endangered by UICN and as large primates are important seed dispersal agents for many large-seed species throughout its extensive range. Areas of Manu Biosphere Reserve, particularly the cultural zone, were logged as recently as 30 years ago, before being fully protected. This presents an ideal situation for conducting a study within a forest in the later stages of regeneration.

I will be following a group of woolly monkeys from dawn to dusk and collect systematic feeding data, activity patterns and home range. These data will be compared between primary forests and regenerating forest in order to begin understanding if there are any changes in behavioural ecology. Finally, I will conduct workshops to young local people and show the importance to protect woolly monkeys and their habitat. These workshops will include both classroom activities with the local school and field observation at the study site.

This project will contribute significantly towards the conservation of Lagothrix cana and the tropical rainforests through:

Generating a preliminary data set on the diet and feeding ecology of the woolly monkeys in regenerating forest areas – to be used to help develop management plans and guidelines for the conservation of the species.

A better understanding by young local people on the importance of managing forests sustainably, and how they can restore areas to provide suitable habitat for keystone species like the woolly monkey

A set of management guidelines and recommendations for the restoration of habitat for the endangered woolly monkey throughout the cultural zone of the Manu Biosphere Reserve; this plan will be produced with the Crees Foundation and presented to the National Park to assist in their future management decisions of buffer areas.

Producing a detailed identification field guide of monkey’s feeding fruits and plants that can be used by guides, students, biologists and conservation practitioners.

The information gathered could help to conserve woolly monkeys where they have lost habitat in areas of high anthropogenic pressures by using their preferred, easily-grown food plants.

If a species can utilize regenerating forest, then there is potential to allow disturbed areas to be protected and allowed time to recuperate to once again become suitable habitat.