Tourist´s knowledge and perceptions about wild capuchin monkeys at Iguazú National Park, Argentina

TUJAGUE, M. P.; CASCO, M. P.; DI BITETTI, M. S.; HILGERT, N. I.; KOWALEWSKI, M.

Foz do Iguazu

Simposio; 3rd International Symposium of Ecology; 2018

Universidad Federal de Integración Latino-Americana (UNILA)

Humans have perspectives about non-human primates, which may contribute positively to a better coexistence between species. The interaction between humans and non-human primates in protected areas could have a large number of effects on the species involved, ranging from monkeys stealing food from tourists to lethal control of ?problem? animals. Humans and monkeys share biological, phylogenetic and behavioral features for which their interactions may differ from those with other mammals. Our aim was to analyze the knowledge that tourists have about capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus) natural history and also tourists´ perceptions about the reasons why monkeys and people interact at Iguazú National Park, Argentina. Visual contact with monkeys and the presence of a tourist guide improved the general information while age of the respondents and their occupation were the most important factors defining their levels of self-knowledge on the monkey?s diet. Management strategies need to change their focus: it is human behavior which needs to be understood and managed rather than being wildlife always the center of the dilemma. Management should focus on people, not wild animals.