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Expanded distribution and predicted suitable habitat for the critically endangered yellow-tailed woolly monkey (Lagothrix flavicauda) in Perú.
Zarate, Melissa A; Shanee, Sam; Charpentier, Elvis; Sarmiento, Yeissy; Schmitt, Christopher A.
Affiliation
  • Zarate MA; Department of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
  • Shanee S; Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
  • Charpentier E; Neotropical Primate Conservation, Windrush, Looe Hill, Seaton, Cornwall, UK.
  • Sarmiento Y; Asociación Neotropical Primate Conservation Perú, San Martin, Perú.
  • Schmitt CA; Equipo Primatológico del Perú, Iquitos, Maynas, Perú.
Am J Primatol ; 85(2): e23464, 2023 02.
Article in En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36642976
ABSTRACT
The Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot holds a remarkable number of species at risk of extinction due to anthropogenic habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. One of these species, the critically endangered yellow-tailed woolly monkey (Lagothrix flavicauda), was recently observed in the region Junín, 206 km south of its previously known distribution. This range extension, combined with continued habitat loss, calls for a reevaluation of the species distribution, and available suitable habitat. Here, we present novel data from surveys at 53 sites in the regions of Junín, Cerro de Pasco, Ayacucho, and Cusco. We encountered L. flavicauda at 9 sites, all in Junín, and the congeneric Lagothrix lagotricha tschudii at 20 sites, but never in sympatry. Using these new localities along with all previous geographic localities for the species, we made predictive species distribution models based on ecological niche modeling using a generalized linear model and maximum entropy. Each model incorporated bioclimatic variables, forest cover, vegetation measurements, and elevation as predictor variables. The model evaluation showed >80% accuracy for all measures. Precipitation was the strongest predictor of species presence. Habitat suitability maps illustrate potential corridors for gene flow between the southern and northern populations, although much of this area is inhabited by L. l. tschudii whereas L. flavicauda has yet to be officially confirmed in these areas, by these or any other scientific surveys. An analysis of the current protected area (PA) network showed that ~75% of remaining suitable habitat is unprotected. With this, we suggest priority areas for new PAs or expansions to existing reserves that would conserve potential corridors between L. flavicauda populations. Further surveys and characterization of the distribution in intermediate areas, combined with studies on gene flow through these areas, are still needed to protect this species.
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Full text: 1 Collection: 01-internacional Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Ecosystem / Atelinae Type of study: Prognostic_studies / Risk_factors_studies Limits: Animals Country/Region as subject: America do sul / Peru Language: En Journal: Am J Primatol Year: 2023 Document type: Article Affiliation country: Estados Unidos

Full text: 1 Collection: 01-internacional Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Ecosystem / Atelinae Type of study: Prognostic_studies / Risk_factors_studies Limits: Animals Country/Region as subject: America do sul / Peru Language: En Journal: Am J Primatol Year: 2023 Document type: Article Affiliation country: Estados Unidos