Strategies for the conservation of two critically endangered, endemic primates in panama

Abstract

Neotropical Primates are threatened because of deforestation and hunting. There are numerous species and subspecies of primates today restricted entirely to small forest patches. Many are poorly studied due to the remoteness of their ranges, political situations, or the expensive logistics required. Although population surveys are important to obtain baseline information for the conservation of threatened primates, there are opportunities where population censuses could be used in conjunction with rapid conservation strategies. In this report we encourage scientists to use collateral techniques that could positively impact local communities while undertaking scientific studies. They include the involvement of biology students from the target country, the use of informative material to divulge information on the natural history and conservation of the target species, and the creation of interest among community leaders so that a long-Term conservation program can be established in the future.