In the Neotropics, primates are widely distributed from Mexico in the north of Argentina in the South, and from the pacific coast of Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, across to the Atlantic coast of Brazil. Different species can be found inhabiting lowland flooded rainforests of the Amazon, up to above 3,000 meters in the Andes mountains, and hyper-humid cloud forests, as well as arid dry forest environments. Although their natural habitat is primary forests, many species are now found surviving in degraded ecosystems of fragmented habitat, and even within plantations and cities.

Monkeys are crucial for the health of the forest by acting as seed dispersers for the trees and plants. They also play a significant role in the circle of life of the rainforest by being both prey and predator for many other species (including local human communities),  helping to maintain balance in forest ecosystems which allows them to keep functioning.

Many primates are facing a very real danger of extinction in the near future, including almost half of all Neotropical species. The main threats to primates are the loss of habitat through deforestation as well as hunting for the pet trade and bushmeat. These threats are caused by un-sustainable practices both locally and globally and will only worsen unless we all take action to safeguard their future.

Conservation of primates and their habitats is taking place all over the world but the destruction of the rainforests is happening more rapidly than conservationists can cope with. More and more species are threatened and being driven to extinction.

To find out more about Neotropical primates and what we do follow the links below.