Density estimates of Panamanian owl monkeys (Aotus zonalis) in three habitat types.
The resolution of the ambiguity surrounding the taxonomy of Aotus means data on newly classified species are urgently needed for conservation efforts. We conducted a study on the Panamanian owl monkey (Aotus zonalis) between May and July 2008 at three localities in Chagres National Park, located east of the Panama Canal, using the line transect method to quantify abundance and distribution. Vegetation surveys were also conducted to provide a baseline quantification of the three habitat types. We observed 33 individuals within 16 groups in two out of the three sites. Population density was highest in Campo Chagres with 19.7 individuals/km(2) and intermediate densities of 14.3 individuals/km(2) were observed at Cerro Azul. In la Llana A. zonalis was not found to be present. The presence of A. zonalis in Chagres National Park, albeit at seemingly low abundance, is encouraging. A longer-term study will be necessary to validate the further abundance estimates gained in this pilot study in order to make conservation policy decisions.
Nocturnal Primate Research Group, School of Social Sciences and Law, Department of Anthropology and Geography, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane, OX3 0BP Oxford, United Kingdom. svensson_magdalena@hotmail.com
Magdalena S
MS
Svensson
Rafael
R
Samudio
Simon K
SK
Bearder
K Anne-Isola
KA
Nekaris
D000818:Animals; D016645:Aotidae / Q000254:growth & development*; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017753:Ecosystem; D010176:Panama; D011156:Population Density; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014197:Trees