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Bates College

Publication Date

Fall 2016

Program Name

Ecuador: Comparative Ecology and Conservation

Abstract

Natural rehabilitation and translocation of primate species provide the opportunity for recovery of individuals and repopulation of species in the wild. However, there are few successful examples of primate translocation around the world, and no successful cases in Ecuador. This study assesses the population and overall behavioral activity of a troop of Saimiri sciureus on Sumak Allpa Island, Orellana, Ecuador from November 6th to November 27th, 2016. This specific troop, referred to as the Yasuní troop, is scheduled to be translocated from Sumak Allpa to Yasuní National Park in March or April of 2017, and would be the first successful translocation of a primate group in Ecuador. Field observations in the natural habitat of Saimiri sciureus and at the platform that will be used in the translocation process were used to examine the Yasuní troop’s population composition and behavioral activity, and assess whether this troop will be able to withstand the stresses of the translocation process and survive in the wild. The population of the troop was found to be stable, with healthy yearly birth and survival rates, and behavioral budgeting was found to be comparable to that of a wild troop of Saimiri sciureus. These observations are strong indicators that the Yasuní troop will be able to successfully function as a wild troop.

Disciplines

Animal Sciences | Animal Studies | Community-Based Research | Latin American Studies | Life Sciences | Other Animal Sciences | Zoology

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