Capuchin monkeys are known worldwide for their intelligence and eccentric behavior, and the Ecuadorian capuchin is no different. While the white-fronted capuchin species Cebus albifrons is not endangered as a whole, the subspecies of the Ecuadorian capuchin Cebus albifrons aequatorialis is critically endangered and in desperate need of protection. It is found almost exclusively in western Ecuador and parts of Peru (Campos and Jack, pg.899). To maximize the effectiveness of the Ecuadorian capuchin conservation effort, one must know their distribution, population sizes, and both the human and natural factors that act against their survival.
The Ecuadorian capuchin enjoys abundant tree cover, mild seasonality, and little rainfall, perfectly supplied by the Tropical Dry Forest Biome. They prefer to live anywhere between sea level and around 2000m (Jack and Campos, pg.174). Unfortunately, an estimate of only 4.4% is left of the original habitat they love so dearly (Campos and Jack, pg.900). The most effective way to concentrate conservation efforts for this species would be to focus on conserving the specific habitat it lives in, as it has not been seen to migrate or shuffle between biomes like many other species. It is found in the highest densities in both the Ecuadorian dry forest and the Tumbes Piura dry forests of Peru (Figure 1). There is around 8000km^2 of total dry forest area left in these places.
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An estimate of 12,500 individuals has been accepted as the carrying capacity of this area, and it is a safe assumption that the actual number of Ecuadorian capuchins is much lower (Campos and Jack, pg.910). The problem seems to be that keeping an accurate tally of individuals can be very difficult, and the only real way to do so at the moment is to sight identify and count them one by one. This mountain of a task was first set about by asking locals if they see the capuchins, and if so how frequently. They then went off to search for themselves. After nearly 1,700 hours of searching 11 separate areas across Ecuador and Peru, the monkeys were seen a depressingly low 115 times (Jack and Campos, pg.180).
The reasons for the Ecuadorian capuchin’s decline are not just anthropogenic. Parasites have also taken a liking to their demise. These parasites do not always take their prize by killing directly, in fact, in most cases it is the indirect pathways they cause that have the greatest impact. Parasites can thrive from host to host through a poor quality environment of their host leading to excess feces and oral infection. The capuchins most posed parasitic predators are Filariopsis barretoi and Strongyloides (Figure 2). Capuchins are primates of comparatively heightened sociality, which makes them more susceptible to parasites spread in this fashion.
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Other factors affecting parasitic spread include seasonality and age. In capuchins, young individuals during the dry season are the most at risk. Older individuals during the wet season, even if infected the dry season prior, had become parasite free (Parr et al., pg.1146). While these infections do not always lead to the death of the individual, other adverse effects can occur. Parasites can hinder reproductive ability and lower energy leading to competitive costs, both leading to lower population numbers. A solution to alleviate the effects of parasitism on the Ecuadorian capuchin is to recover the area in which they live. More space for these capuchins means a better quality of living. They would not be forced to live in an area of excess feces deposit, and would be able to vacate to other areas if parasitism were to spread.
The biggest obstruction to the recovery of the Ecuadorian capuchin is without a doubt human impact. Hunting and deforestation by means of conversion and uncontrolled fires have taken an immense toll on these creatures. Ecuador has been rampaged by the deforestation that so often goes hand in hand with human population growth. Even areas that have been set aside for conservation are still subject to conversion in many cases. The monkeys are hunted still for their meat and pet potential, and farmers are known to kill them for messing with their crops (Jack and Campos, pg.186).
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The Ecuadorian government has responded with incentives for farmers to stop forest conversion. It is clear the only real way to reverse the effects of the endangerment of the Ecuadorian capuchin is to reverse the cause, deforestation. Luckily there are many who have noticed these impacts and are taking steps of action. The primary focus is restoring connectivity among the Ecuadorian capuchins’ fragmented habitat. Determining the conservation value of these areas is important as it gives people a relative value to wrap their heads around, making the information and situation easier to comprehend.
Sources
- Baquero, A. G. (n.d.). Western South America: Along the Pacific coast of Ecuador. Retrieved November 19, 2016, from http://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/nt021
- Campos, Fernando A., and Jack, Katherine M. “A Potential Distribution Model and Conservation Plan for the Critically Endangered Ecuadorian Capuchin, albifrons aequatorialis.” Vivamus (2013). 900-914. 19 Nov. 2016
- Jack, Katherine M., and Campos, Fernando A. “Distribution, Abundance, and spatial ecology of the critically endangered Ecuadorian capuchin (Cebus albifrons aequatorialis).” Tropical Conservation Science Vol. 5 (2012). 173-191. 19 Nov. 2016
- Fig. 1 Jack, Campos pg. 175
- Parr, Nigel A., and Fedigan, Linda M., and Kutz, Susan J. “ Predictors of Parasitism in Wild White-Faced Capuchins (Cebus capucinus).” (2013). 1137-1149. 19Nov. 2016
- Tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests. (n.d.). Retrieved November 19, 2016, from http://www.worldwildlife.org/biomes/tropical-and-subtropical-dry-broadleaf-forests
- Fig. 2 https://mrrohanbio.wikispaces.com/Strongyloides+stercoralis
- Fig. 3 Photographer Waring, 2010
- Fig. 4 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecuadorian_capuchin#/media/File:Mara%C3%B1on_White-fronted_Capuchin_Cebus_yuracus_A.jpg