Population Assessment of the Common Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus) on Sumak Allpa, Equador
Date
2015-05
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Sumak Allpa is a 113.5 hectare-island located within the Ecuadorean Amazon,
serving as an active primate sanctuary for imperiled species. In order to measure the
current status of the common squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) on Sumak Allpa, I
assessed their population and distribution using estimation techniques during 30
observation periods in the spring of 2014. My results indicated three larger troops, one
small troop, and one solitary primate, with approximately 55 to 60 individuals
currently inhabiting the island. Based on the infrequent displays of aggression
observed among the common squirrel monkeys, it was assumed that the troops were
not competing for resources. Compared to population counts from 2012, these results
suggested a positive growth rate within the common squirrel monkey population of
Sumak Allpa. Given this growth rate, it would be beneficial to consider primate
reintroduction strategies using the island as a source population.
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Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES, Wildlife Conservation