In today’s post we continue with some news about our fieldwork, this month we are finishing our project about the distribution limits of ornate titi monkeys (Plecturocebus ornatus). In our last fieldtrip we finished to survey the eastern limits of this endemic primate with very few observations. Changes in soil and vegetation could be part of the reason why this species is not found in the most eastern part of this area, however another reason could be related with the high transformation of this region. Meta department had extensive areas dedicated to cattle ranching and agriculture. This department have crops of plantain, cacao, corn, rice and manioc, and fruits such as passion fruit, papaya, pineapple, guava and watermelon, as well as the extensive areas dedicated to palm oil plantations. This transformation had a high impact in the forest fragments persisting in these landscapes, with extensive areas cover only by palm oil plantations, some with living fences used by primates, but other areas without any structures that improves landscape connectivity.

Our observations during this project also highlighted the need for canopy bridges to help primates to cross high traffic roads. Some part of the main roads in Meta department had canopy bridges used by primate species from the area, however remote roads didn’t have any and it is evident that at least in some areas these structures are necessary. Use of living fences and fragments next to roads is common for all primate species present in the area and this proximity to roads increase their risk to car collisions. Data on the frequency of these collisions and species who are more prone to these accidents is scarce. We also observe groups of feral dogs close to roads and traveling towards forest fragments that also represent a threat to primate species.So, as it is common for me while I’m in the field, every fieldtrip leaves with more questions than answers and a feeling of more uncertainty about the future of the primate species living in fragmented landscapes. Hopefully we will be able to continue with this project for more years and as much as possible contribute to the survivorship of primate species in this area of Colombia.

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