Human and Non-human Primate Co-existence in the Neotropics: a Preliminary View of Some Agricultural Practices as a Complement for Primate Conservation

摘要: In this paper I address the general perception that agricultural activities are principal threat to primate biodiversity in tropics and argue Neotropical landscapes some practices may favor population persistence, situation merits attention investigation. To explore these issues, examined three interrelated pressures upon tropical forests for Mesoamerican Amazon basin regions: human growth trends, levels of poverty development deforestation rates. also present relevant results recent surveys completed on presence populations agroecosystems several Mesoamerica. further assess possible benefits primates agroecosystems, stress value conservation Neotropics. Human Mesoamerica (ca 48 million) 300 regions has been growing at a rate 2.6-3.0% per year since 1950’s, it is expected will double size 25-35 years. According United Nation’s Development Index, high low typical both regions. Pressures land living space food production paralleled by rates regions, ca 440,000 ha/yr 3.5 million basin. Our Mexico, Guatemala Costa Rica found five eight species existing Mesoamerica, temporarily or permanently an array 15 suggesting habitats be important their persistence. With information hand, Neotropics, point out needed areas