Misiones advances in a key conservation project for its biodiversity: the reintroduction of the red howler monkey (Alouatta guariba) in the Misiones jungle. The initiative aims to prevent the extinction of this critically endangered species in Argentina, where it is estimated that fewer than 30 adult individuals survive.
The plan is driven by the NGO Neotropical Primate Conservation Argentina (NPC), led by Dr. Luciana Oklander, in collaboration with the Ministry of Ecology, the Misiones Biodiversity Institute (IMiBio), and the national government, within the framework of the National Primate Conservation Plan.
Collaboration with Brazil
The strategy includes a binational agreement with Brazil, where there are specimens in captivity due to habitat loss.
These animals will be transferred to Argentina, vaccinated against yellow fever, and subjected to strict health controls. They will undergo a one-month quarantine in Brazil and another in Argentina before starting the adaptation process in the Misiones jungle.
Reintroduction site
The first chosen site is the Cruce Caballero Provincial Park, an area that historically housed red howler monkeys but was left empty after yellow fever outbreaks. A “soft release” will be implemented there, a mechanism for progressive adaptation in pre-release enclosures. The animals become familiar with the environment and local diet before their final release.
The project includes a strong environmental education strategy in nearby communities. Workshops in schools and awareness activities aim to inform about the return of the red howler and strengthen the bond between the population and their natural environment. The response has been positive, even from older people who remember when these monkeys inhabited the area.
Ecological and cultural role
The red howler monkey plays a fundamental role as a “forest gardener”: by feeding on fruits, it disperses seeds that naturally regenerate the forest. Additionally, it is considered a health sentinel, as its sensitivity to yellow fever alerts about the presence of the virus transmitted by mosquitoes.
Culturally, the species is deeply rooted in the border with Brazil, where there are popular expressions associating the “howl of the forest” with the health of the ecosystem.
The reintroduction of the red howler monkey in Misiones represents a strategic action to restore key ecological processes, strengthen the resilience of the Misiones jungle, and prevent the disappearance of an emblematic species.
Beyond conservation, the project consolidates the province’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage and building a more harmonious relationship between communities and biodiversity.
