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Conservation status of primates in Trinidad, West Indies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2009

M. J. Hsu
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan.
G. Agoramoorthy
Affiliation:
Conservation and Research Center, National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institution, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA.
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Abstract

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This paper presents the results of surveys conducted in 1994 to establish the population size and density, and conservation status of red howler monkeys Alouatta seniculus insulanus and white-fronted capuchin monkeys Cebus albifrons trinitatis in the Trinity Hills, Bush-Bush and Central Range Wildlife Sanctuaries of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. Populations of the red howler and capuchin monkey have declined by about 25 per cent in Bush-Bush Wildlife Sanctuary over the past 25 years. This decrease was attributed to intensive hunting pressure and habitat destruction. These factors have also caused monkey population declines in the Trinity Hills and Central Range Wildlife Sanctuaries. Recommendations are presented for the local government to enhance the protection of wild monkeys and their habitats in Trinidad.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Fauna and Flora International 1996

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