Measuring Success in a Community Conservation Project: Local Population Increase in a Critically Endangered Primate, the Yellow-Tailed Woolly Monkey (Lagothrix Flavicauda) at La Esperanza, Northeastern Peru

Abstract

The yellow tailed woolly monkey (Lagothrix flavicauda) is one of the world's most threatened primate species. It is endemic to a small area of montane forest in northern Peru, an area with high immigration and deforestation rates. Since 2007, community conservation actions have been implemented in the area of Yambrasbamba, a farming community in Amazonas department. These actions included the signing of voluntary pledges by local villagers to control hunting and forest clearance. A first population density survey was carried out in 2008/9, shortly after the implementation of these pledges; a second survey in the same area that replicated the methods used in the previous survey was carried out in 2012/13. Using transect width estimation from line transects and a Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) from satellite images, we compared population density and deforestation rates between surveys. Results showed an increase in the L. flavicauda population at the study site, with significant increases in densities of infant (P <0.001) and juvenile individuals (P = 0.019). This suggests that increases are from natural population growth rather than the in-migration of groups or individuals from outlying areas. The NDVI showed low levels of deforestation still occurring in the area, but at a lower rate than the regional and national averages. Our results provide compelling evidence that Community Conservation projects can be successful in highly populated areas, and we urge conservation practitioners to involve local actors when planning and implementing initiatives.

Habitat Use, Terrestriality and Feeding Behaviour of Javan Slow Lorises in Urban Areas of a Multi-Use Landscape in Indonesia

“…A study in India of the Endangered golden langur (Trachypithecus geei) implemented a number of community conservation tools that resulted in the increase in the total population of golden langurs as well as the control of poaching and illegal logging in two local forests [63]. Further studies show compelling evidence of the success of these community-based projects for primates, such as the yellow-tailed woolly monkey (Lagothrix flavicauda) in Peru, which showed population increases and significant increases in densities of infants following community conservation action [64]. Another study in Colombia that implemented community education and empowerment programs to conserve the cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) resulted in not only stable economic incomes for the rural community and positive impact for the long-term survival of the tamarin but also a marked reduction in the number of harvested trees as well as a significant reduction in the amount of plastic waste in the area [65].…”

Observation of snake (Colubridae) predation by yellow-tailed woolly monkeys (<i>Lagothrix flavicauda</i>) at El Toro study site, Peru

“…The study site comprises approximately 700 ha of disturbed montane cloud forest, pastures and agricultural lands between 1,800 and 2,400 m a.s.l. (Shanee and Shanee, 2015).…”

Expanded distribution and predicted suitable habitat for the critically endangered yellow‐tailed woolly monkey (Lagothrix flavicauda) in Perú

“…Within its montane cloud forest environment, L. flavicauda is able to survive at least for a time in moderately disturbed habitats where hunting pressure is low (Aquino et al, 2015; Sam & Shanee, 2015). This may be due to the range of L. flavicauda diet, which consists of flowers, leaf petioles, epiphytic roots, vertebrates, and soil; however, they are predominantly frugivorous, with a handful of species and genera with large fleshy fruits making up almost half of their dietary intake (Fack et al, 2018; S. Shanee, 2011, 2014).…”

“…As the number of PAs in Perú changes, along with our knowledge of primate species' distributions, it is critical to reassess PA networks' coverage with current data. While the increasing number of private, communal, and state PAs within the distribution of L. flavicauda has largely been a result of enhanced local conservation efforts (N. Shanee, Shanee et al, 2017; S. Shanee et al, 2020), these efforts have predominantly focused on populations in Amazonas and San Martín due to the relatively high number of known L. flavicauda populations in these regions (Sam & Shanee, 2015). Field surveys are therefore vital to determine the species' distribution and habitat preferences outside these well‐studied regions to be able to protect it over its entire range; however, these are often expensive, time consuming, and can be unfeasible depending on the terrain, access, and public order limitations (N. Shanee & Shanee, 2016; Young, 1996).…”