INVESTIGADORES
KOWALEWSKI Miguel Martin
artículos
Título:
Habitat fragmentation and population trends of the black and gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) in a semideciduous forest in northern Argentina
Autor/es:
ZUNINO, GABRIEL E; KOWALEWSKI, M MARTIN; OKLANDER, LUCIANA I; GONZALEZ, VIRIDIANA
Revista:
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY
Editorial:
Wiley-Liss
Referencias:
Lugar: West Sussex, Inglaterra; Año: 2007 vol. 69 p. 966 - 975
ISSN:
0275-2565
Resumen:
A population of black and gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) living near
the southern limit of its distribution in a semideciduous forest located in
northern Argentina was studied in 2003 to evaluate the possible effects of
habitat fragmentation owing to logging on its density and social
organization within it. Aerial photographs taken in 1982, 1992, and 2001
were used to compare maps of vegetation. These maps were used to evaluate
changes in the area covered by forest fragments. From March to June 2003,
10-day monthly surveys of howlers were made in each fragment. A total of
232 individual howlers were counted, belonging to 34 groups plus a solitary
adult female. Groups ranged from 2 to 19 individuals (mean56.82,
SD54.23), and 21% of the groups contained more than one adult male.
Adults accounted for 55% of the individuals, immatures for 45%, and infants
represented 13% of the total. Data obtained were compared with information
available for the same population for 1982 and 1995. Results revealed no
significant changes in the area of fragments, the crude and ecological density
of howlers, and group composition. Group sizes and group composition of
howlers suggest that the population remained stable over the past 22 years.
The density, number of groups, and individuals appears not to be affected by
fragmentation and logging, but crude density was low compared with other
less-disturbed habitats. The status of the population remains uncertain
owing to isolation, and because there are no protected areas to ensure its
stability for the future.