Brachyteles Hypoxanthus

The nothern muriqui, scientifically known as Brachyteles hypoxanthus, is the critically endangered primate relative which this group researched for the primate awareness watch project. The habitat of the northern muriqui is found in the mature evergreen to deciduous lowland Atlantic coastal forest. Once widespread throughout the forests of south-east Brazil, today these monkeys are distributed only a handful fragmented forests. These forests primarily include the regions of Minas Gerias, Espirito Santo, and Bahia. Small groups of northern muriqui have been found in the north-eastern forests of Minas Gerias, but the largest known population of this primate seen today is in the forests of the Caratinga Biological Station.

The northern muriqui, also called the wooly spider monkey, is South America’s largest primate. In addition, their characteristics are unique in the fact that they are non-territorial and do not display aggressive behavior. Northern muriqui usually also have dis-pigmentation on their faces and some possess vestigial thumbs, which distinguishes them from their southern counterparts. These primates are currently found in highly disjointed subpopulations with few members.

Furthermore, the degree of endangerment for the northern muriqui reached critical levels, as stated by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) in 2003. The approximate number of known northern muriqui measured in 2005 was 855 members. A breakdown of how the population of northern muriqui has changed over the last decades and centuries is as follows:

1500 – 400,000; 1971 – 3,000; 1977 – 1,000; 1984 – 100; 1987 – 375; 1991 – 500; 1994 – 1500; 1997 – 1,000; 2003 – 300; 2005 – 855

As seen above, the population of the mariqui has fluctuated greatly over the past several decades, with a marked decreased in this century compared to the 1500s. Today, northern mariqui can be found in twelve locations in Brazil. Six of these sites are on private land, three on stated protected areas, and the remaining three on federally protected land. Considered critically endangered, this primate has seen an ongoing population decline, 80% over the past 60 years and the numbers continue to drop.

There are many reasons why the northern muriqui are critically endangered. As humans encroach on their original habitat, muriqui lose more and more territory to thrive. Housing and commercial development, tourism and recreation, agriculture and aquaculture, livestock farming and ranching, logging and wood harvesting, human intrusion and disturbance are all factors which is causing the muriqui to die out. Beyond this, muriquis are still hunted as food by local natives and infant monkeys are sometimes captured as pets. Today, the two chief threats to the primate is commercial logging in privately owned forests and the illegal hunting of muriqui in federal or state-owned forests. With the extensive deforestation and fragmentation of the Atlantic forest, climate change has become a growing threat. Beyond this, because of the small sizes of the remaining populations, the muriqui are at great risk of genetic and demographic problems which could lead to extinction.

Even with the eminent threat of extinction, there are still solutions to help put things right. Land and water protection, habitat restoration, species management, captive breeding, artificial propagation, and the education and awareness of the issue are all ways towards a effective and beneficial outcome. Long-time researcher in the field, Dr. Karen Strier, has been studying the northern muriqui for the past twenty-five years. She is currently professor of zoology and anthropology at the University of Madison Wisconsin. Her research has focused on how scientific knowledge can help to contribute in establishing informed conservation efforts. In a recent interview with mongabay.com, Dr. Strier has stated that northern muriquies are fortunate since they have become the flagship for conservation in Brazil. In addition, large teams of Brazilian and international researchers, conservationalists, and NGO (non-governmental organizations) are involved in protecting the species. She reminds the reader, that continued prohibitions on hunting, and increased habitat protection is vital in the efforts to safeguard the species. In addition, she reports that there is management plans already underway:

Development of forest corridors to link isolated populations is being created. Females from different population groups have been successfully trans-located to new subpopulations to stimulate growth and gene flow.

Ultimately, with dedicated individuals like Dr. Strier and other groups who have given their time and efforts to help rescue and preserve the species, the northern muriquies stand an impressive chance against the tide of extinction.