Anthropogenic Habitat Modification, Tourist Interactions and Crop-Raiding in Howler Monkeys

Tracie McKinney, Jessica Westin, Juan Carlos Serio-Silva

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

In this chapter, we review how anthropogenic disturbance specifically impacts members of the genus Alouatta, one of the most geographically expansive and ecologically flexible of platyrrhine groups. This report initiates with a brief discussion of the use of matrix landscapes, the effects of ecotourism, and the potential for crop-raiding by howler monkeys. We then present three case studies of howler monkey responses to these challenges. We found that tourism in Suriname leads to greater travel and foraging time and poorer health for A. macconnelli. A. palliata in Costa Rica living in an agricultural matrix respond to habitat modification through active crop-raiding, and A. pigra in Mexico provide an illustration of how to evaluate remnant monkey populations for potential ecotourism. The chapter concludes with recommendations for encouraging shared landscapes with howler monkeys, including ways to minimize crop damage by monkeys and ways to encourage sustainable, conservation-based ecotourism.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHowler monkeys
Subtitle of host publicationBehaviour, ecology, and conservation
EditorsMartin M. Kowalewski , Paul A. Garber, Liliana Cortés-Ortiz , Bernardo Urbani, Dionisios Youlatos
Place of PublicationNew York
PublisherSpringer
Pages281-311
ISBN (Print)9781493919604
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Publication series

NameDevelopments in Primatology: Progress and Prospects
PublisherSpringer
ISSN (Print)1574-3489

Keywords

  • Anthropogenic Change
  • Crop raiding
  • Ecotourism
  • matrix habitat

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