For the last several months we have been developing plans for new community run reserves with the Asociacion de Conservacion de los Bosques Naturales de Simacache, who manage the Grand Simacache Conservation concession, and the Asociación de Conservación de las Vertientes de Agua de Yantaló, a group of landowners who own the area where we have been carrying out research near Moyobamba, Peru. In August, we handed in the initial paperwork for the recognition of two new Conservation Concessions in San Martin, Peru.
The areas cover several hundreds of hectares of forests which are among the last refuges for the Critically Endangered San Martin titi monkey (Plecturocebus oenanthe). Northern San Martin, the only habitat for this endemic species, is amongst the most deforested and densely populated rural areas of Peru, meaning that private and community run reserves are critical for this species’ survival. This is doubly important as there are no government protected areas which protect the species or its habitat. Both areas are also being developed as local tourist attractions for their amazing natural beauty, waterfalls and opportunities for wildlife watching, and also provide natural resources for local farmers. Creating new reserves can be a lengthy process, and we are waiting to hear back from the government, should the proposals require any further justification or detail. Be sure to stay up-to-date with our work in order to see our progress.