The Experts below are selected from a list of 318 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Liliana Cortesortiz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
low genetic diversity and limited genetic structure across the range of the critically endangered mexican Howler Monkey alouatta palliata mexicana
American Journal of Primatology, 2020Co-Authors: Adrian Melocarrillo, Jacob C Dunn, Liliana CortesortizAbstract:Genetic diversity provides populations with the possibility to persist in ever-changing environments, where selective regimes change over time. Therefore, the long-term survival of a population may be affected by its level of genetic diversity. The Mexican Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata mexicana) is a critically endangered primate restricted to southeast Mexico. Here, we evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of this subspecies based on 83 individuals from 31 groups sampled across the distribution range of the subspecies, using 29 microsatellite loci. Our results revealed extremely low genetic diversity (HO = 0.21, HE = 0.29) compared to studies of other A. palliata populations and to other Alouatta species. Principal component analysis, a Bayesian clustering method, and analyses of molecular variance did not detect strong signatures of genetic differentiation among geographic populations of this subspecies. Although we detect small but significant FST values between populations, they can be explained by a pattern of isolation by distance. These results and the presence of unique alleles in different populations highlight the importance of implementing conservation efforts in multiple populations across the distribution range of A. p. mexicana to preserve its already low genetic diversity. This is especially important given current levels of population isolation due to the extreme habitat fragmentation across the distribution range of this primate.
-
reduced introgression of sex chromosome markers in the mexican Howler Monkey alouatta palliata a pigra hybrid zone
International Journal of Primatology, 2019Co-Authors: Liliana Cortesortiz, Marcella D Nidiffer, Thore J Bergman, Pedro Americo D Dias, Dawn M Kitchen, Javier Hermidalagunes, Francisco Garciaorduna, Ariadna Rangelnegrin, Domingo CanalesespinosaAbstract:Interspecific hybridization allows the introgression or movement of alleles from one genome to another. While some genomic regions freely exchange alleles during hybridization, loci associated with reproductive isolation do not intermix. In many model organisms, the X chromosome displays limited introgression compared to autosomes owing to the presence of multiple loci associated with hybrid sterility or inviability (the “large X-effect”). Similarly, if hybrids are produced, the heterogametic sex is usually inviable or sterile, a pattern known as Haldane’s rule. We analyzed the patterns of introgression of genetic markers located in the mitochondrial (control region) and nuclear (autosomal microsatellites and sex chromosome genes) genomes of two Howler Monkey species (Alouatta palliata and A. pigra) that form a natural hybrid zone in southern Mexico, to evaluate whether the large X-effect and Haldane’s rule affect the outcomes of hybridization between these sister species. To identify the level of admixture of each individual in the hybrid zone (N = 254) we analyzed individuals sampled outside the hybrid zone (109 A. pigra and 39 A. palliata) to determine allele frequencies of parental species and estimated a hybrid index based on nuclear markers. We then performed a cline analysis using individuals in the hybrid zone to determine patterns of introgression for each locus. Our analyses show that although the hybrid zone is bimodal (with no known F1 s and few recent generation hybrids) and quite narrow, there has been extensive introgression in both directions, and there is a large array of admixed individuals in the hybrid zone. Mitochondrial and most autosomal markers showed bidirectional introgression, but some had biased introgression toward one species or the other. All markers on the sex chromosomes and a few autosomal markers showed highly restricted introgression. This pattern is consistent with the hypothesis that the sex chromosomes make a disproportionate contribution to reproductive isolation, and our results broaden the taxonomic representation of these patterns across animal taxa.
-
striking differences in the loud calls of Howler Monkey sister species alouatta pigra and a palliata
American Journal of Primatology, 2016Co-Authors: Thore J Bergman, Liliana Cortesortiz, Pedro Americo D Dias, Dara B Adams, Domingo Canalesespinosa, Dawn M KitchenAbstract:Comparing vocalizations across species is useful for understanding acoustic variation at mechanistic and evolutionary levels. Here, we take advantage of the divergent vocalizations of two closely related Howler Monkey species (Alouatta pigra and A. palliata) to better understand vocal evolution. In addition to comparing multiple acoustic and temporal features of roars and the calling bouts in which they are produced, we tested several predictions. First, A. pigra should have roars with lower fundamental frequency and lower formant dispersion because they are larger than A. palliata and have a larger hyoid apparatus. Second, A. pigra should have faster calling rates, longer roars, longer bouts, and exaggerated call features linked to vocal effort (e.g., nonlinear phenomena and emphasized frequencies) because they are the more aggressive species during intergroup encounters. We found significant interspecific differences supporting our predictions in every tested parameter of roars and bouts, except for roar duration and barking rate. Stepwise discriminant function analyses identified the best features for differentiating roars (acoustic features: formant dispersion followed by highest frequency; temporal features: longest syllable duration followed by number of syllables). Although resembling each other more than they resemble South American Howler Monkeys, our comparison revealed striking differences in the vocalizations of the two Mesoamerican species. While we cannot completely rule out the influence of body size or the environmental conditions in which the two species evolved, vocal differences were likely influenced by sexual selection. The exaggerated roars and intense calling patterns in A. pigra seem more suitable for intergroup competition, whereas A. palliata calls may be better suited for mate attraction and competition within groups. With interspecific acoustic differences quantified, we will now be able to examine how vocalizations contribute to the evolutionary dynamics of the A. palliata × A. pigra hybrid zone in southern Mexico. Am. J. Primatol. 78:755-766, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
-
intragroup genetic relatedness in two Howler Monkey species alouatta pigra and a palliata implications for understanding social systems and dispersal
American Journal of Primatology, 2015Co-Authors: Marcella D Nidiffer, Liliana CortesortizAbstract:The degree of genetic relatedness among group members is influenced by dispersal, group formation and composition, mating systems, and other socioecological factors. Making inferences about differences between species in their socio-genetic structure is difficult because studies rarely compare multiple species. In this study, we use multilocus microsatellite genotype data to analyze intragroup genetic relatedness in two Howler Monkey species (Alouatta palliata and A. pigra). We test the prediction that their patterns of intragroup genetic relatedness will be distinct based on expectations derived from their distinct social systems. Alouatta palliata is expected to have low levels of intragroup relatedness, given that both males and females are reported to disperse from their natal groups, and to join groups with no close kin. Levels of relatedness among A. pigra group members are expected to be variable according to the history of group formation, with new groups formed by unrelated individuals and well-established groups having close kin due to female nepotism and sometimes by takeovers by coalitions of related males. Our results indicate that in both species, most groups contain closely related same-sex and/or inter-sex dyads. This suggests that philopatry in A. palliata may be more common than reported or that individuals are using alternative strategies to reside with close kin. We found greater variation among groups in female-female relatedness in A. palliata than in A. pigra, implying that these species have distinct socio-genetic structures. Further studies including both long-term observational and genetic data are necessary to understand the mechanisms that determine the degree of variation in intragroup genetic relatedness within and among populations for both species. Ecological and demographic data are also necessary to determine the importance of other factors, especially habitat loss and fragmentation, in determining the degree of relatedness in Howler Monkey groups.
Mario S Di Bitetti - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
yellow fever impact on brown Howler Monkeys alouatta guariba clamitans in argentina a metamodelling approach based on population viability analysis and epidemiological dynamics
Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 2015Co-Authors: Eduardo S Moreno, Ingrid Holzmann, Ilaria Agostini, Pablo Martin Beldomenico, Mario S Di Bitetti, Miguel Martin Kowalewski, Luciana Ines Oklander, Silvina Goenaga, Mariela Florencia Martinez, Eduardo LestaniAbstract:In South America, yellow fever (YF) is an established infectious disease that has been identified outside of its traditional endemic areas, affecting human and nonhuman primate (NHP) populations. In the epidemics that occurred in Argentina between 2007-2009, several outbreaks affecting humans and Howler Monkeys (Alouatta spp) were reported, highlighting the importance of this disease in the context of conservation medicine and public health policies. Considering the lack of information about YF dynamics in New World NHP, our main goal was to apply modelling tools to better understand YF transmission dynamics among endangered brown Howler Monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) populations in northeastern Argentina. Two complementary modelling tools were used to evaluate brown Howler population dynamics in the presence of the disease: Vortex, a stochastic demographic simulation model, and Outbreak, a stochastic disease epidemiology simulation. The baseline model of YF disease epidemiology predicted a very high probability of population decline over the next 100 years. We believe the modelling approach discussed here is a reasonable description of the disease and its effects on the Howler Monkey population and can be useful to support evidence-based decision-making to guide actions at a regional level.
-
impact of yellow fever outbreaks on two Howler Monkey species alouatta guariba clamitans and a caraya in misiones argentina
American Journal of Primatology, 2010Co-Authors: Ingrid Holzmann, Ilaria Agostini, Juan Ignacio Areta, Hebe Ferreyra, Pablo Martin Beldomenico, Mario S Di BitettiAbstract:Two yellow fever outbreaks (YFOs) ocurred in northeastern Argentina between November 2007 and October 2008, seriously affecting populations of two Howler Monkey species: the brown Howler Alouatta guariba clamitans and the black Howler Alouatta caraya. Both Howlers live syntopically in El Pinalito Provincial Park, Misiones, where four groups (36 individuals) were studied since January 2005. The first dead Howlers were found on January 20, 2008, in El Pinalito. Systematic searches found 14 dead Howlers within the area (12 from the study groups and two from neighboring groups), with only two young seen on January 25, 2008, and none found since up to December 2008. In October 2008, another YFO hit Howler Monkey populations from El Soberbio, Misiones. Overall, 59 Howlers were found dead in Misiones from November 2007 to December 2008. Thanks to the alert of the Howler's death in El Pinalito, a prompt human vaccination campaign started in the area. Wild Howler Monkey populations from both species are in a delicate situation in Misiones, especially the brown Howler, an already endangered species in Argentina and endemic to the Atlantic Forest. If we add the recurrence of YFOs to the reduction of suitable habitat to small fragments, it could be only a matter of time until Howler populations disappear from the Upper Parana Atlantic Forest in Misiones. Am. J. Primatol. 72:475–480, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Alejandro Estrada - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
seed dispersal patterns in two closely related Howler Monkey species alouatta palliata and a pigra a preliminary report of differences in fruit consumption traveling behavior and associated dung beetle assemblages
Neotropical Primates, 2010Co-Authors: Katherine R Amato, Alejandro EstradaAbstract:Abstract Two-phased seed dispersal by primates and dung beetles is crucial for tropical rainforest regeneration. Two species of Howler Monkey exist in the tropical rainforests of southern Mexico: the mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata), and the black Howler Monkey (A. pigra). Differences between these species in foraging and traveling behavior, as well as associated dung beetle assemblages, may influence seed dispersal patterns. In this paper we present the results of a preliminary four-month study comparing the above aspects between a group of A. palliata (N = 15) in Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz and a group of A. pigra (N = 7) in Palenque National Park, Chiapas, Mexico. We observed each group in alternating months using focal sampling, fecal examination, and trapping of dung beetles. Results showed that the A. palliata group consumed more mature fruit, but both groups dispersed similar numbers of seeds over the study period (ca. 13,000 seeds). The total number of seed species collected from the feces of t...
-
Population of the black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra) in a fragmented landscape in Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico.
American journal of primatology, 2002Co-Authors: Alejandro Estrada, Lucía Castellanos, Yasminda García, Adrián Mendoza, Reyna Pacheco, Sarie Van Belle, David Ibarra MuñozAbstract:Little is known about the population characteristics of Alouatta pigra under conditions of forest fragmentation–information that is important to understanding its tolerance to habitat loss. In this work we present data on forest loss and on troop size, age, and sex composition for a population of black Howler Monkeys existing in the fragmented landscape surrounding the Mayan site of Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico. Two aerial photos (1:70,000) of the study area (261 km2) taken in 1984 and 2001 were examined to assess forest loss. Between June and December 2001 and January and March 2002 we surveyed 44 forest fragments for the presence of Howler Monkeys. Examination of aerial photos showed that 33% of the forest present in 1984 had disappeared by 2001, and detected an increment in the number of forest fragments present in the landscape. We discovered a total of 115 Howler Monkeys living in 22 of the 44 forest fragments studied, of which 107 were members of 18 troops. The rest were solitary males or small groups of males living in isolated forest fragments. Troop size ranged from two to 15 individuals (mean 5.9+3.0 ind). 31% and 15% of individuals in the troops were juveniles and infants, respectively, suggesting continued reproductive activity. Howler Monkey troops in the forest fragments were on average smaller (5.9±3.0 ind) than troops in the nearby protected forest of the Mayan site (7.0±2.8 ind). The mean density of Howlers in the forest fragments was 119±82.9 ind/km2. The establishment of corridors is suggested as a possible conservation scenario for the fragmented Howler population investigated, and as a conservation measure to connect this population with the Howler population found in the protected forest of the Mayan site. Am. J. Primatol. 58:45–55, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
-
Survey of the black Howler Monkey, alouatta pigra, population at the Mayan site of Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico.
Primates; journal of primatology, 2002Co-Authors: Alejandro Estrada, Lucía Castellanos, Yasminda García, Berenice Franco, David Ibarra Muñoz, Ana Ibarra, Andromeda Rivera, Eugenio Fuentes, Carlos A Narez JiménezAbstract:A survey of the population of the black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra) present at the Mayan site of Palenque was conducted during 2000. A total of 911 man/hours, spread over 112 days were spent surveying the 600 ha area of pristine forest at the site for Howler troops. We detected the presence of 136 individuals of which 131 were members of 20 troops, the rest were 3 solitary adult males and 2 adult males travelling as a pair. Ecological density was estimated at 23 individuals/km2. Mean troop size was 7.0 individuals and it ranged from 2–12 individuals; 60% of the troops were multimale. All sighting of Howler Monkeys were in evergreen rain forest and 75% were in trees ≥20 m in height. The reported densities and mean troop size are higher than those reported for the species in Guatemala and in central Quintana Roo, Mexico. The vegetation of the forest contains tree species reported to be used by species ofAlouatta in the Moraceae, Sapotaceae, Leguminosae, and Lauraceae plant families. Protection of a large perimeter area (ca 1700 ha) around the archeological site by the Mexican government ensures the conservation of the forest and of the black Howler Monkey population present at the site.
-
feeding and general activity patterns of a Howler Monkey alouatta palliata troop living in a forest fragment at los tuxtlas mexico
American Journal of Primatology, 1999Co-Authors: Alejandro Estrada, S Juansolano, Ortiz T Martinez, Rosamond CoatesestradaAbstract:The feeding behavior and general activity patterns of a Howler Monkey troop living in a 3.6 ha forest fragment were studied at Los Tuxtlas, Mexico, for an annual cycle. Monthly samples of their feeding behavior indicated that they used 52 species of 24 plant families as sources of food. Of these, 67% were trees, which accounted for 96% of total feeding time recorded. Ten species of Moraceae, Cecropiaceae, Anacrdiaceae. and Sapotaceae contributed to 70% of the trees used and to almost 90% of feeding time. The number of plant species used per monthly record varied from 7 to 31 with an average of 19.9 species. Young leaves and ripe fruit were the principal items in the monthly diet of Howlers and average percent of time spent consuming these plant parts was 46.7% and 34.8%, respectively. The use of tree species was found to be associated to their importance value and to their pattern of spatial dispersal in the study site. Availability of young leaves was fairly constant from month to month, but it presented a seasonal pattern, and there was a significantly lower number of tree species bearing ripe fruit through the year with brief pulses of production. The monthly activity pattern was found to be related to variations in the availability of young leaves and ripe fruit as well as to the values of the intermonthly overlap in plant species used. Resting and feeding presented a bimodal pattern of occurrence throughout the day that seemed to be related to variations in maximum ambient temperatures. Results are discussed in light of the small size and shape of the forest fragment inhabited by the Howler troop.
-
dung beetles attracted to mammalian herbivore alouatta palliata and omnivore nasua narica dung in the tropical rain forest of los tuxtlas mexico
Journal of Tropical Ecology, 1993Co-Authors: Alejandro Estrada, Rosamond Coatesestrada, Gonzalo Halffter, Dennis A MerittAbstract:Dung beetles attracted to Howler Monkey ( Alouatta palliata ) and coati ( Nasua narica ) dung were studied for an annual cycle in the tropical rain forest of Los Tuxtlas, Mexico. Pitfall traps set for 24 h month −1 captured 1567 dung beetles of 21 species. The species Canlhidium martinto, Deltochilum pseudoparile and Canthon femoralis accounted for 62% of all individuals captured. While species overlap was high (> 80%) between diurnal and nocturnal samples and between Howler Monkey and coati dung baits, coati dung attracted species such as C. martinezi, D. pseudoparile and Onthophagus rhinolophus while species such as C. femoralis and Copris laeviceps were numerically dominant at Howler Monkey dung. Thirteen non-ball rolling dung beetle species and eight ball-rolling species accounted for 43% and for 57% of all beetles captured respectively. Dung beetles were present and active in all months of the year, but occurred in higher numbers between the months of March and October, when temperatures were higher. Relative abundance of Howler Monkey and coati dung in the rain forest of Los Tuxtlas was estimated at 11.2 g (fresh weight) ha −1 day −1 and at 13.0 g ha −1 day −1 respectively, a seemingly low amount for the large number of scarabs attracted to the dung.
Rosario Landgrave - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
current status of the habitat and population of the black Howler Monkey alouatta pigra in balancan tabasco mexico
American Journal of Primatology, 2008Co-Authors: Gilberto Pozomontuy, Juan Carlos Seriosilva, Yadira M Bonillasanchez, Nora Bynum, Rosario LandgraveAbstract:We evaluated the habitat and populations of the black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra) in the municipality of Balancan, Tabasco, southeastern Mexico, using a combination of field surveys and remotely sensed data. We identified 21,937 ha of remnant vegetation composed of 1,348 fragments. Fragments separated by up to 200 m were grouped into "clusters" of fragments in accordance with the maximum observed open distance crossed by A. pigra. A total of 11% or 84 of the 772 clusters identified through remote sensing were selected at random, and for these we determined the vegetation type, canopy height, area, and distance to the closest human settlement. In these same 84 clusters, which included a total area of 9,817 ha, from October to June of 2006 we located a total of 1,064 black Howler Monkeys, including 228 troops and 49 solitary Monkeys. A. pigra was found in 62 (74.7%) of all clusters visited, with a cumulative area of 6,032 ha. Troops varied in size from 2 to 15 individuals (average 6.0+/-2.9 ind/troop). Adults were 67% (n=716) of detected individuals, whereas juveniles were 20.5% (n=218) and infants were 12.5% (n=133). We found black Howlers to occur at an ecological density of 10.8 ind/km(2), which is low in comparison with A. pigra in other fragmented and conserved sites. We found a statistically significant relationship between the area of clusters and the abundance of Howler Monkeys (r(2)=0.2, F=10.47, gl=3, P=0.002). In addition, the probability of finding A. pigra was greater in secondary vegetation, riparian vegetation, tropical dry forest, undisturbed tropical oak forest, and palm forest (F=12, gl=3, P<0.0001), as compared with disturbed tropical oak forest. Our results provide data on the distribution, abundance, and population structure of black Howler Monkeys in a fragmented landscape in the southeast of Mexico. These data are a necessary prerequisite for conservation planning for this species.
-
Current status of the habitat and population of the black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra) in Balancán, Tabasco, Mexico.
American journal of primatology, 2008Co-Authors: Gilberto Pozo-montuy, Nora Bynum, Juan Carlos Serio-silva, Yadira M. Bonilla-sánchez, Rosario LandgraveAbstract:We evaluated the habitat and populations of the black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra) in the municipality of Balancan, Tabasco, southeastern Mexico, using a combination of field surveys and remotely sensed data. We identified 21,937 ha of remnant vegetation composed of 1,348 fragments. Fragments separated by up to 200 m were grouped into "clusters" of fragments in accordance with the maximum observed open distance crossed by A. pigra. A total of 11% or 84 of the 772 clusters identified through remote sensing were selected at random, and for these we determined the vegetation type, canopy height, area, and distance to the closest human settlement. In these same 84 clusters, which included a total area of 9,817 ha, from October to June of 2006 we located a total of 1,064 black Howler Monkeys, including 228 troops and 49 solitary Monkeys. A. pigra was found in 62 (74.7%) of all clusters visited, with a cumulative area of 6,032 ha. Troops varied in size from 2 to 15 individuals (average 6.0+/-2.9 ind/troop). Adults were 67% (n=716) of detected individuals, whereas juveniles were 20.5% (n=218) and infants were 12.5% (n=133). We found black Howlers to occur at an ecological density of 10.8 ind/km(2), which is low in comparison with A. pigra in other fragmented and conserved sites. We found a statistically significant relationship between the area of clusters and the abundance of Howler Monkeys (r(2)=0.2, F=10.47, gl=3, P=0.002). In addition, the probability of finding A. pigra was greater in secondary vegetation, riparian vegetation, tropical dry forest, undisturbed tropical oak forest, and palm forest (F=12, gl=3, P
Ingrid Holzmann - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
reduced geographic variation in roars in different habitats rejects the acoustic adaptation hypothesis in the black and gold Howler Monkey alouatta caraya
Ethology, 2020Co-Authors: Ingrid Holzmann, Juan Ignacio AretaAbstract:Vocalizations used for long‐range communication must disperse without significant structural changes to be decoded by receivers. The acoustic adaptation hypothesis (AAH) holds that, since acoustic signals are influenced by the habitat in which they disperse, sounds will possess specific structural characteristics to diminish sound degradation. Additionally, vocalizations can also be influenced by genetics, anatomy, and/or cultural aspects. Here, we tested the AAH through quantitative comparisons of roars in four allopatric populations of the black‐and‐gold Howler Monkey (Alouatta caraya) across an environmental gradient from open to closed, in northeastern Argentina. At each site, we obtained good‐quality recordings from three adult males, also between July and November 2013, conducted vegetation surveys (measuring tree density, canopy closure, and vertical structure), evaluated potential masking of roars by gathering environmental sound samples, and assessed sound attenuation of a synthetic tone at three different distances: 10 m (landmark reference distance), 50, and 100 m. We also tested the alternative hypothesis that acoustic properties of roars could be explained by population genetic divergence. Our results did not support the AAH. Although our four study sites were significantly different in vegetation structure, conforming to an open‐to‐closed gradient, roars of A. caraya were not different among populations. Likewise, although environmental sound differed between sites, we found no evidence of environmental sound affecting the acoustic properties of roars. The attenuation of the synthetic tone was only near significant at 100 m distance between both extreme sites from the environmental gradient. The four A. caraya study populations grouped into three genetically differentiated clusters. Since roar features were independent from population genetic clustering, we reject the genetic hypothesis too. The combination of high amplitude and low peak frequency of roars, coupled to small home range size and extensive overlap between neighboring groups, allows roars to keep their communication value across habitats without need of specific environmental tuning.
-
yellow fever impact on brown Howler Monkeys alouatta guariba clamitans in argentina a metamodelling approach based on population viability analysis and epidemiological dynamics
Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 2015Co-Authors: Eduardo S Moreno, Ingrid Holzmann, Ilaria Agostini, Pablo Martin Beldomenico, Mario S Di Bitetti, Miguel Martin Kowalewski, Luciana Ines Oklander, Silvina Goenaga, Mariela Florencia Martinez, Eduardo LestaniAbstract:In South America, yellow fever (YF) is an established infectious disease that has been identified outside of its traditional endemic areas, affecting human and nonhuman primate (NHP) populations. In the epidemics that occurred in Argentina between 2007-2009, several outbreaks affecting humans and Howler Monkeys (Alouatta spp) were reported, highlighting the importance of this disease in the context of conservation medicine and public health policies. Considering the lack of information about YF dynamics in New World NHP, our main goal was to apply modelling tools to better understand YF transmission dynamics among endangered brown Howler Monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) populations in northeastern Argentina. Two complementary modelling tools were used to evaluate brown Howler population dynamics in the presence of the disease: Vortex, a stochastic demographic simulation model, and Outbreak, a stochastic disease epidemiology simulation. The baseline model of YF disease epidemiology predicted a very high probability of population decline over the next 100 years. We believe the modelling approach discussed here is a reasonable description of the disease and its effects on the Howler Monkey population and can be useful to support evidence-based decision-making to guide actions at a regional level.
-
impact of yellow fever outbreaks on two Howler Monkey species alouatta guariba clamitans and a caraya in misiones argentina
American Journal of Primatology, 2010Co-Authors: Ingrid Holzmann, Ilaria Agostini, Juan Ignacio Areta, Hebe Ferreyra, Pablo Martin Beldomenico, Mario S Di BitettiAbstract:Two yellow fever outbreaks (YFOs) ocurred in northeastern Argentina between November 2007 and October 2008, seriously affecting populations of two Howler Monkey species: the brown Howler Alouatta guariba clamitans and the black Howler Alouatta caraya. Both Howlers live syntopically in El Pinalito Provincial Park, Misiones, where four groups (36 individuals) were studied since January 2005. The first dead Howlers were found on January 20, 2008, in El Pinalito. Systematic searches found 14 dead Howlers within the area (12 from the study groups and two from neighboring groups), with only two young seen on January 25, 2008, and none found since up to December 2008. In October 2008, another YFO hit Howler Monkey populations from El Soberbio, Misiones. Overall, 59 Howlers were found dead in Misiones from November 2007 to December 2008. Thanks to the alert of the Howler's death in El Pinalito, a prompt human vaccination campaign started in the area. Wild Howler Monkey populations from both species are in a delicate situation in Misiones, especially the brown Howler, an already endangered species in Argentina and endemic to the Atlantic Forest. If we add the recurrence of YFOs to the reduction of suitable habitat to small fragments, it could be only a matter of time until Howler populations disappear from the Upper Parana Atlantic Forest in Misiones. Am. J. Primatol. 72:475–480, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.