Ateles fusciceps fusciceps genome sequencing with ORG.one
The Ecuadorian brown headed spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps) is a primate that inhabits primary humid tropical and subtropical forests in Northwestern Ecuador. This subspecies is not found near human inhabited areas, and its habitat has been greatly reduced due to deforestation; more than 80 percent of western Ecuador's original area has been destroyed. It is also susceptible to hunting. The IUCN Red List classifies Ateles fusciceps fusciceps as a Critically Endangered Species, and in 2018 only 280 individuals of this subspecies existed. Stronger conservation efforts are needed to avoid the extinction of this primate. These efforts should take into account genetic factors, as the subspecies' small population size make it susceptible to genetic diversity loss and inbreeding depression. A genomic approach would generate more accurate data than a genetic approach, and could help inform management actions for this species. Genome studies require a reference genome, which is why this project sequenced and assembled the genome of Ateles fusciceps fusciceps with MinION Oxford Nanopore Technologies.