Brazilian Amazon's Two New Monkeys
New Species of Titi Monkeys Add to Rainforest Primate Biodiversity
Controversial biologist Marc Van Roosmalen's discovery of two more species of titi monkey are another reason conservation groups call for better rainforest protection.
Adding to a long list of reasons for Brazilian Amazon rainforest conservation to remain a world priority is the recent finding of two new titi monkeys. In addition to these primates, other new species are being found in the Amazon regularly. The rate of discovery serves to emphasize the immense biodiversity of rainforests.
What Are Titi Monkeys?
There are about thirty species of titi monkey, including the two new ones, found in tropical rainforests in South America. These small primates, only about the size of a cat, live in the understory of the rainforests in small family groups, usually consisting of a pair and their offspring. Mated pairs of titi monkeys are very strongly bonded. While largely fruit eaters, these primates will also consume other plants and small arthropods such as spiders to supplement their diet.
The New Titi Monkeys
Dr Marc Van Roosmalen has spent many years in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, initially studying only primates. While some of his discoveries of new species remain controversial, both the Prince Bernhard’s titi monkey (Callicebus bernhardi) and the Stephen Nash’s titi monkey have been officially recognized by the scientific community.
The Prince Bernhard’s titi is named after the Dutch ruler who has supported Van Roosmalen’s work over the years. Stephen Nash works for Conservation International as a technical illustrator and has also been a supporter of Van Roosmalen’s efforts. The Prince Bernhard’s titi monkey is found in the area of Rio Aripuana and Rio Madeira in the Brazilian Amazon.
The Stephen Nash’s titi monkey is believed to inhabit an area along the Rio Purus but this is based solely on what the fishermen who brought the specimens to Dr Roosmalen told him. With so little known about these primates, their habitat and foraging needs, it will be important to protect the rainforest intact or risk removing some plant or other animal species critical to their survival.
Threats to Titi Monkeys
Hunting is one of the threats titi monkeys face. The tiny primates respond to the call of other monkeys. Hunters imitate the calls and the approaching monkeys are easily killed. Youngsters may be kept alive to be sold as pets as they are valued for their small size.
Habitat loss and degradation, either as a result of logging or to clear land for agriculture, is the titi monkeys’ gravest threat. Fragmented or degraded habitat results from deforestation to make way for coffee plantations and illegal cocoa farms. Pesticide spraying to protect crops adds to the dangers these animals face.
Brazilian Amazon rainforest conservation efforts have recently focused heavily on the finding of new species. It is likely that there are more unknown plants and animals in the Amazon rainforest, some of which may be beneficial or even critical, to the survival of the planet. And that may help drive efforts to protect the rainforest.
Photo Credit: Tor Egil Hogsas
