In Argentina, the conservation of primates has become an urgent priority. A recent study conducted by experts from the CONICET has identified the most critical regions to protect the five species of primates residing in the country.
Conservation areas for primates in Argentina
The analysis, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, revealed that only 7.2% of the primate territory is under official protection. This means that less than 20,000 square kilometers are safeguarded, leaving these species in a vulnerable situation.
Researchers have pointed out the provinces of Chaco and Formosa as areas of special concern. These regions have few protected spaces and suffer from high rates of deforestation, threatening the habitats of the primates.
This research is part of the National Primate Conservation Plan, approved in 2021 through Resolution 430/2021. This plan establishes strategies to mitigate the threats faced by these species in Argentina.
In Argentina, five species of non-human primates inhabit different ecoregions. The red howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) is critically endangered, while the carayá (Alouatta caraya), the mirikiná (Aotus azarae), the black capuchin (Sapajus nigritus), and the yungas capuchin (Sapajus cay) are classified as vulnerable.
Through species distribution models and spatial prioritization analysis, the study identified areas of national and regional importance for the conservation of these primates. Data on habitat quality, connectivity, and factors such as the human footprint and road infrastructure were integrated.
The results suggest that the priority areas for conservation include the Atlantic Forest in Misiones and the humid regions in eastern Chaco and Formosa, as well as parts of the Yungas.
The experts’ conclusion is clear: it is crucial to integrate local communities and provincial governments in a participatory process to implement these conservation measures, ensuring the necessary support and consensus.
The National Primate Conservation Plan of Argentina has seven objectives and 32 actions, managed by different entities, including researchers from the CONICET. National management is led by the National Directorate of Biodiversity and executive coordination by Martín Kowalewski from CECOAL.
This plan aims to be a bridge between science and public management, allowing research to translate into concrete policies. Participatory workshops and environmental education campaigns are among the future actions to promote the conservation of primates in Argentina.
