basic ecology and conservation of the andean night monkey

7/23/2019 Basic Ecology and Conservation of the Andean Night Monkey

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Basic Ecology and Conservation of the Andean Night

Monkey (Aotus miconax: Thomas 1927)in La

Esperanza, Peru.

6 Month Report

Nestor Allgas Marchena

Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos

Sam Shanee

Neotropical Primate Conservation

Noga Shanee


Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology


Funded by Primate Conservation, inc.

Grant No: 845


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Introduction:

The Andean night monkey (Aotus miconax) is one of the least known and possibly

rarest Neotropical primates, this species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN (A2c

IUCN 2008) and Endangered under Peruvian Law (Decreto Supremo 34-2004-AG;

see Heymann 2004). It is endemic to the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot in north

eastern Peru (Cornejo et al 2008). A. miconaxis one of Peru's three endemic primate

species, along with the yellow tailed woolly monkey (Oreonax flavicauda) and the

Rio Mayo titi (Calicebus oenanthe) (Aquino and Encarnacin 1994 and Rylands

1995).

A. miconaxis also one of the least studied of all primates. The only data that

exists about this species are museum specimens, sighting records and very basic

ecological information (for example; Cornejo et al 2008 and Butchart et al 1995). The

species is thought to be limited to areas of cloud forest between 900 and 2800 meters

above sea level (m.a.s.l.) in the departments of Amazonas, Huanuco and San Martin,

and in border regions of neighboring departments (Aquino and Encarnacin 1994).

Cornejo et al (2008) recently produced a map of localities of previous sightings for

this species as well as basic information on its ecology and conservation status.

Previously records of this species were limited to the studies of Butchart et al (1995)

and the collections of R. W. Hendee (Thomas 1927a and 1927b) and E. Heller

(Aquino and Encarnacin 1994). Other than this, nothing is known about the species

as it has never been studied before. It is assumed to be monogamous and live in small

family groups of 2 to 6 individuals (Shanee personal observation) similar to that of

otherAotus species (Fernandez-Duque 2007). Similarly, no data exists on the dietary

requirements ofA. miconax and comparatively little data exists on that of otherAotus

species (Fernandez-Duque 2007), what is know is that they are generally frugivorous

and home range sizes forAotus are cited to be between 3 and 17 ha (Solano 1995 and

Wright 1978). This species has been observed in primary and secondary forest, from

large areas of contiguous forest to small forest patches (Cornejo et al 2008 and Shanee

personal Observation). This paucity of data increases the importance and necessity of

this study to aid actual and future conservation planning.

The main threat facingA. miconaxis probably the continued growth of human

populations and associated habitat destruction. Hunting is a lesser threat to this


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species as it is small and has pungent scent glands (Cornejo et al 2008) but still, it is

hunted for the pet trade and for trophies (Shanee et al 2008).

Auditory census work based on playback methods was be tested to provide

estimates of abundance of the species in contiguous forest and presence absence of

the species in a variety of forest types and patch sizes.

Additional behavioral and ecological observations were taken on a known

group to provide the first ecological data for this species. Ad-lib data collection was

also used to collect further information.

We also monitored current human activities such as hunting and logging

taking place so as best to integrate conservation planning with the needs of local

people.

This work is carried out in conjunction with a larger conservation effort aimed

at the conservation of the yellow tailed woolly monkey, its habitat and all sympatric

species (see Shanee et al 2007, 2008, etc).

Methods:

Study sites

Presence/absence evaluations were carried out using existing transects from previous

census work on O. flavicauda and other mammal species and existing forest trails and

forest patches.

Night follows and observation took place in a small (1 ha approx.) patch of

disturbed forest > 1 Km from the village of La Esperanza (N 077.89172, S 05.63945),

Bongara province, Amazonas. This site was selected due to its ease of access for

researchers and the restricted size which hopefully reduces the problem of loosing

contact with the group or individual being followed (Fernandez-Duque et al 2008).

The presence of a group of 5A. miconax has been confirmed in this area on a number

of occasions.

Preliminary work

A. miconax vocalizations were recorded (Sony WalkmanPro WMD-D6 with

AudioTechnica Lo-Z condenser microphone) and these amplified recordings were

played back to test methodology. To be used along with recordings of other Aotus

species to see which calls produced the best responses for use in surveys.


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A group of five A. miconaxwas habituated to the presence of observers for

three months prior to the start of investigations (Williamson & Feistner 2003). This

group had already been identified and exposed to the presence of humans over the

preceding months.

Behavioral Ecology methodology

Group follows were conducted on the days before, during and after full-moon, 70-

100% illuminated moon surface (Fernandez-Duque et al 2008), between

approximately 6:30 pm and 1:00 am for five months. Observations were taken on a

previously habituated group of 5 individuals in a forest patch of approximately 1 ha

(see appendix 1). Transects have been prepared in a 10 x 10 m grid and labeled alpha

numerically. Observations were made with the aid of red light LED headlamps (Silva

L4) and night vision goggles (Black Lion Optics). Basic data were recorded on space

use patterns, activity levels and food sources. Group movements were tracked on foot

and recorded by hand on maps of the survey area and with GPS (Garmin GPSMap

60CSX) and plotted to see ranging patterns. Data collected during observations

included: Diet, spacing, calling behavior and sleeping site selection, all sleeping sites

and food sources were tagged for later identification.

Ad-lib observations

Additional data were collected on sleeping site selection, group size and

composition and food source when groups were encountered during other field work

and from local people.

Results:

Playback

Until now we have not been able to induce calls using vocalizations of other Aotus

species, we have also not been able to record good quality territorial calls of A.

miconax. The calls of the black-banded owl (Ciccaba huhula) have produced warning

vocalizations and mobbing behavior in two separate groups ofA. miconax. We were

able to record these vocalizations (fig.1) and on other occasion we were able to record

inter-group vocalizations in a non-threatening situation (fig. 2). Two further

vocalizations have been heard, one intergroup call similar to the purring of a large cat,


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this call between group members in a non-threatening situation. Also the loud or

territorial call consisting of a series of pairs of deep huffs, unfortunately we have

not been able to record these vocalizations as yet.

Figure 1) Sonograms of warning vocalisation induced through play-back of banded-

owl (Ciccaba huhula) vocalisation.

Figure 2) Sonograms of intergroup vocalisation in a non-threatening situation.


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Census

Due to difficulties in playback methods we have as yet not completed census work.

However, we have been able to compile a map of sightings of A. miconax in our area

(fig. 3) and regionally (fig. 4). Both maps have been elaborated using GPS point data

gathered during other activities related to primate conservation.

Figure 3) Map showingA. miconax sightings and local villages.


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Figure 4) Map showingA. miconax sightings throughout the region.

Diet

So far we have observed A. miconax consume fruits from12 different species, 7 of

which we have been able to identify to the species level and a further three to genus

(see table 1). Samples have been collected for a further 11 food sources and will be

sent for identification to the National Herbarium of the Universidad Nacional Mayor


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San Marcos in Lima together with other foods consumed in the next 6 months. We

also observed A.miconax consuming young leaves, leaf buds and insects on several

occasions.

Table 1) Food species used byA. miconax

Local name Family Genus Species

Naranjillo Buxaceae Styloceras S. laurifolium

Guarumbo Cecropiaceae Cecropia C. montana

Guarumbo Cecropiaceae Cecropia C. utcubambana

Pona Arecaceae Ceroxylon C. peruvianum

Fruto morado Flacourtiaceae Neosprucea N. montana

Mote mote - - -

Higueron Moraceae Ficus Ficus spp.

Berenjena del

arbolSolanaceae Solanum Solanum sp.

Tumbe - - -

Cansa Boca Malpighiaceae Bunchosia B. armeniaca

Guaba Leguminosae/Mimosoideae Inga Inga feuillei

Guaba Leguminosae/Mimosoideae Inga Inga spp.

Fecal Sample Collection

During the study period we have been able to collect four fecal samples from different

individuals and groups. The samples have been stored in RNAlater solution and will

be deposited at the Museo de Historia Natural of the Universidad Nacional Mayor

San Marcos, Lima. It is possible that these samples, together with others that we hope

to collect, will be sent to New York Universitys Genetic Anthropology Laboratory

for analysis.

Activity Budget

We collected a total of 665 minutes of good observation (more time was spent in

observing but due to difficulties inherent in night follows some observation time was

lost in relocating animals). Average speed while locomoting was 39.25 meters per

minute (2.36 Km/per hour), calculated as the movement of the approximate group

center. Average displacement (including all active and inactive behaviors) was 2.78


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meters per minute (0.17 Km/per hour). Average feeding bout length was 28.1

minutes, Average time spent feeding per hour was 22.7 minutes. Average time spent

resting was 8.0 minutes per hour. Average time spent locomoting was 29.3 minutes

per hour. Activities as percentages were as follows; 48.8 % travelling, 37.8 % feeding

and 13.4 % resting.

Additional observations

On one occasion we observed a pair of A. miconax scent marking. Two individuals

were seen rubbing their sub-caudal scent glands on a branch for approximately 90

seconds. On several occasions pairs of the species have been seen sitting with tails

intertwined, similar to that observed in many species of titi monkey (Callicebus spp.).

Related activities

We were also able to participate, with the authorities, in the rescue of oneA. miconax.

This individual was kept illegally as a pet and has since been re-homed at the IKAMA

Peru rescue center in Moyobamba.

Difficulties:

We encountered many difficulties in realizing this project, these in the main part

account for the late start in field work and paucity of results until now. Initially

Peruvian Biology student Oscar Angulo Nunez, from the Universidad Nacional

Mayor San Marcos had applied to be the principle investigator in this project.

However, one month before work was set to begin he dropped out leaving us with no

principle. Fortunately another Biology student from Universidad Nacional Mayor San

Marcos, Nestor Allgas Marchena, volunteered to take on responsibility for the project

and we have been working together since then.

Another problem was the cutting of the focal groups sleeping tree in

November last year just as we were set to begin the study, this meant that we could

not find the group at sunset each evening as planned. It was not until last month that

we were able to find the groups new sleeping site. In the intervening period we tried

playback as a method to locate the group just after sunset, unsuccessfully. Finally we

had to spend to start of each observation period in looking for the group, sometimes


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unsuccessfully. This led to the loss of much valuable time that could have been used

for data collection.

Continuing Work

We plan to continue behavioral ecology monitoring of the focal group until

December 2010.

Census work will begin as soon as we can isolate a good recording ofA.

miconaxloud or territorial call as well as continueing to use the call of the

black-banded owl (Ciccaba huhula).

Continued mapping of encounters with the species during other related

activities.

Continued environmental education work directed at Perus primates

(additional to the work in this report)

Creation of a protected area that is habitat ofA. miconaxnear La Esperanza

(see PCi grant/report # 739)

Continued help and support of the authorities in animal rescue activities.

Literature Cited


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Aquino, R. and Encarnacin, F. (1994). Primates of Peru. Primate Report40: 1127.

Butchart, S.H.M., Barnes, R., Davies, C.W.N., Fernandez, M, and Seddon, N. (1995).

Observations of Two Threatened Primates in the Peruvian Andes. Primate

Conservation. 16: 15-19.

Cornejo, F.M., Aquino, R. and Jimenez, C. (2008). Notes on the Natural History,

Distribution and Conservation Status of the Andean Night Monkey, Aotus miconax

Thomas, 1927. Primate Conservation. 23: 1-4.

Fernandez-Duque, E., DiFiore, A. and Carillo-Bilbao, G. (2008). Behavior, Ecology,

and Demography of Aotus Vociferans in Yasun National Park, Ecuador.

International Journal of Primatology. 29: 421-431

Fernandez-Duque, E. (2007). Aotinae: Social Monogamy in the only Nocturnal

Haplorine. pp. 139-154. In: Campbell, C.J., Fuentes, A., MacKinnon, K.C., Panger,

M. and Bearder, S.K. Primates in Perspective. Oxford University press, UK.

Heymann, E. W. 2004. Conservation categories of Peruvian primates Categorias de

conservacin de los primates peruanos.Neotropical Primates. 12: 154155.

IUCN. (2008) [Online] Retrieved on 8 June 2008 from

http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/1802/0

Rylands, A. B. (1995). A species list for the New World primates (Platyrrhini):

distribution by country, endemism, and conservation status according to the Mace-

Lande system.Neotropical Primates. 3(suppl.): 113160.

Shanee, N., Shanee, S. and Maldonado, A.M. (2007). Conservation Assessment and

Planning for the Yellow Tailed Woolly Monkey (Oreonax flavicauda) in Peru.

Wildlife Biology in Practice. 3: 73-82


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Shanee, N., Shanee S., and Collongues, H. (2008). Local Primate Trade in Amazonas

and San Martin, Peru. Poster presented at Primate Society of Great Britain winter

meeting 2008.

Shanee, S., Shanee, N. and Maldonado, A.M. (2008). Distribution and Conservation

Status of the Yellow-Tailed Woolly Monkey (Oreonax flavicauda, Humboldt 1812) in

Amazonas and San Martin, Peru.Neotropical Primates.14: 115-119.

Solano, C. (1995). Activity patterns and habitat use of the owl monkey, Aotus

brumbacki (Primate: Cebidae), at Tinigua National Park, Colombia. Bulletin Of The

Ecological Society Of America.76.

Thomas, O. (1927a). The Godman-Thomas Expedition to Peru. On mammals

collected by Mr. R. W. Hendee in the Province of San Martin, N. Peru, mostly at

Yurac Yacu.Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. 9, 19:361375.

Thomas, O. (1927b). The Godman-Thomas Expedition to Peru. On mammals from

the Upper Huallaga and neighbouring highlands. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. 9, 20:

594608.

Willamson, E.A. & Feistner, T.C. (2003). Habituating Primates: Processes,

techniques, variables and ethics.pp. 25-39. In: Setchell, J.M. & Curtis, D.J. Field and

Laboratory Methods in Primatology: A Practical Guide. Cambridge University Press,

UK.

Wright, P.C. (1978). Home Range, Activity Pattern, and Agonistic Encounters of a

Group of Night Monkeys (Aotus Trivirgatus) in Peru. Folia Primatologica.29: 43-55.


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Appendix I

Individual from focal study group.


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Examples of sleeping sites ofA. miconax, the species was observed using both thick

vine entanglements and hollows in tree trunks.


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RescuedA. miconax.eatingInga sp. one of its natural food sources.

basic ecology and conservation of the andean night monkey

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