Effects of Ecotourism on the Behavior and Health of Red Howler Monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) in Suriname

摘要: Ecological changes and habitat degradation have measurable effects on nonhuman primate group size, but little is known about their the behavior health of primates. Specifically, ecological change caused by implementation tourism projects can impact In this project I assess free-ranging red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) in Suriname. evaluated subjects through observations external indicators poor such as wounds, scars, bot fly lesions, analysis non-invasively collected urine feces. Urine samples were screened for presence protein, glucose, or blood, fecal analyzed intestinal parasite eggs larvae. also conducted behavioral to assay tourists monkey patterns responses human activities. monitored weather resource availability other potential sources stress. Results study suggest that living areas high tourist use altered behaviors response tourism, while with responded more specific disturbances imposed them tourists. Health parameters not strongly affected presence, though general, suffered slightly poorer than monkeys. These results contribute our understanding how primates respond actions changes, important implications conservation programs tropical forests. Moreover, these indicate responsibly managed may only minimally affect monkeys, provide economic incentive needed local managers keep parks reserves intact rather degrade extractive harvesting mining.