Focusing Conservation Efforts for the Critically Endangered Brown-headed Spider Monkey (Ateles fusciceps) Using Remote Sensing, Modeling, and Playback Survey Methods

Abstract

Brown-headed spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps), endemic to the ChocoDarien forests and lower Andean forests of NW Ecuador, are considered critically endangered. Unfortunately, scientific data regarding the actual status of populations is lacking. We combined satellite image analysis, species-specific habitat assessment, and a field survey technique using playback to focus conservation efforts for this species. First, we identified remaining forest via a LANDSAT mosaic and then applied species-specific criteria to delineate remaining forest with potential to hold populations. By combining this with the historical distribution from ecological niche modeling and predicted hunting intensity we generated a species-specific landscape map. Within our study area, forest capable of sustaining Ateles fusciceps covers 5872 km 2 , of which 2172 km 2 (40%) is protected. Unprotected forest considered suitable for Ateles fusciceps extends to 3700 km 2 but within this only 989 km 2 (23%) is under low hunting pressure and likely to maintain healthy populations of Ateles fusciceps. To overcome problems of sampling at low primate density and in difficult mountain terrain we developed a field survey technique to determine Int presence and estimate abundance using acoustic sampling. For sites under low hunting pressure density of primates varied with altitude. Densities decreased from 7.49 individuals/km 2 at 332 masl to 0.9 individuals/km 2 at 1570 masl. Based on combining data sets in a gap analysis, we recommend conservation action focus on unprotected lowland forest to the south and west of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve where hunting pressure is low and population densities of Ateles fusciceps are greatest.

Comparison of forest regeneration in two sites with different primate abundances in Northwestern Ecuador

“…A distribution model developed by Peck et al (2011) identified potential spider monkey habitat in Northwestern Ecuador that included both of our study sites. Our physical comparison of the two forests showed no obvious structural reason for the observed differences in primate abundances at the two sites.…”

Variabilités bioclimatiques et distribution spatiale des herbacées fourragères dans le Moyen-Bénin (Afrique de l’Ouest)

“…Cette augmentation est prédite à 141,35% pour RCP 2.6 et 216,72% pour le scénario 8.5. (Peck et al, 2010). Il peut donc se passer de données d'absence pour fonctionner.…”

Árboles amenazados del Chocó ecuatoriano

“…Entre las especies de fauna están Ateles fusciceps fusciceps Mono Araña, Cephalopterus penduliger Pá-jaro Paraguas y Ara ambiguus Guacamayo de la Costa; y entre los árboles, la última población importante de Lecythis ampla Miers, Salero, un árbol que produce enormes frutos, cuyas semillas son alimento para el Guacamayo de Costa [W.A. Palacios, datos sin publicar; 29,30,31]. Asimismo, se han visto especies de Aspidosperma, Myrcianthes, Otoba, todas especies de árboles no registradas para la flora de Ecuador (y posiblemente nuevas para la ciencia) (W.A.Palacios, datos sin publicar).…”