Photograph of Ateles fusciceps by Felipe Campos
Developing a sustainable network for primate conservation in NW Ecuador
NEW November 2007: Primate sightings by PRIMENET workers can now be entered into a GIS database via the internet. Just click the 'ENTER DATA TO GIS DATABASE' above (the manual is available here & in the resources section).
The aim of the Darwin Initiative PRIMENET project is to develop a comprehensive strategy for the critically endangered brown-headed spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps), vulnerable primates and habitats in NW Ecuador based on a programme of monitoring, education and sustainable livelihoods within local communities.
The project is funded by the UK government through the Darwin Initiative (DEFRA) and coordinated by the University of Sussex (UK) with core Ecuadorian partners 'Murcielargo Blanco','Corporacion Botanica Ecuadendron' and the 'Los Cedros Biological Reserve'. The partners will develop the Darwin Initiative PRIMENET parabiologist training and research centre at the Los Cedros Biological Reserve with the ability to train indigenous and rural communities and conservation professionals in practical field skills for primate monitoring and habitat assessment. Video outlining the parabiologists training course 2006 - click here
Botanical and primate data collected by the trained parabiologists and expert field survey team will be displayed on a geographical information system database showing primate species ranges, population density and habitat status. The information is vital for monitoring the success of conservation activity in the Cotocachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve and for the development of species and habitat action plans.
