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Density, habitat use and ranging patterns of red howler monkey in Andean forest

TitleDensity, habitat use and ranging patterns of red howler monkey in Andean forest
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsGomez-Posada C, Martinez J, Giraldo P, Kattan G
JournalNeotropical Primates
Volume14
Start Page2
Issue1
Pagination2-10
Date Published01/2007
ISSN1413-470
KeywordsAlouatta seniculus, cloud forest, Colombia, density, habitat use, home range, mature and secondary forest, tree plantations
Abstract

<p>
We studied habitat use and ranging patterns of five red howler monkey troops for six months in a lower montane forest in the Colombian Andes. The study area is a mosaic of mature and secondary forest and non-commercial ash, pine and oak plantations that were established as part of a reforestation program. Home ranges (10 &plusmn; 3 ha) and daily distances traveled (554 &plusmn; 248 m) were similar to those reported for lowland habitats. Home range use differed between groups using mature forest versus secondary forest and plantations, reflecting structural differences between habitat types. We estimated a density of 0.72 individuals and 0.1 groups per hectare. This high density is related to the protected status of the study area and the howler monkeys&rsquo; behavioral plasticity, which has allowed them to colonize new environments such as plantations.</p>

URLhttp://www.primate-sg.org/np.htm