Demographic characterization of owl monkeys (Aotus azarai azarai) in gallery forest and forest islands of the Argentinean Chaco

CECILIA PAOLA, JUAREZ; CLINK, DENA ; EDUARDO, FERNANDEZ-DUQUE

Sacramento. California

Congreso; 35th Meeting of the American Sociaty of Primatologists; 2012

American Society of Primatologists

The objective of the current study was to compare demographic parameters of owl monkey populations living in continuous and naturally fragmented forest habitats in the Argentinean province of Formosa. Populations were monitored in two locations, Estancia Guaycolec and Río Pilcomayo National Park, between 2006 and 2011. In Estancia Guaycolec there were 14 groups in continuous gallery forests and 16 groups in forest islands. In Río Pilcomayo National Park there were 20 groups in gallery forests and 16 groups in forest islands. Group size between sites and forest types was comparable [Estancia Guaycolec t-test: 3±0.9; P = 0.13; n = 12; Rio Pilcomayo t-Test: P = 0.18; n = 14; x = 3.7±0.8]. Group structure was typical, with groups consisting of two adults, juveniles and infants. Groups in gallery forests had a higher proportion of juveniles than groups in forest islands [Randomization test: EG = P = 0.011 and PN = P = 0.03]. There was a higher percentage of births in gallery forests, and population density was also higher [EG: gallery = 13.9 ind/km2; island = 8.9 ind/km2; PN: gallery = 28.8 ind/km2; island = 9.3 ind/km2]. This is the first study to report on population dynamics of owl monkeys in Río Pilcomayo National Park, the only national park in Argentina that contains owl monkey populations. It is also the first study to investigate owl monkey metapopulation dynamics in a naturally fragmented landscape.