Author: neoprimate

Neotropical Primate Conservation (NPC) is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of primates and their habitats in South and Central America.
Visit to La Esperanza

Visit to La Esperanza

neoprimate

Last week we visited the community of La Esperanza and the forests where we carry out the bulk of our research. This was the first time we have been able to visit since the national lock down began in March. We were very happy to see that no new deforestation has occurred in the area.

  • A wide angled view of the the forests to the north, including the Pampa del Burro Private Conservation Area, where the road can be seen as a white line, and areas of forest which will later be included in an extension of the reserve. Some of this area has been purchased by our local allies and will never be deforested!
    A wide angled view of the the forests to the north, including the Pampa del Burro Private Conservation Area, where the road can be seen as a white line, and areas of forest which will later be included in an extension of the reserve. Some of this area has been purchased by our local allies and will never be deforested!
  • Scenic view of the forests to the east of the field station. On the left you can just see an old area of pasture in the early stages of recuperation.
    Scenic view of the forests to the east of the field station. On the left you can just see an old area of pasture in the early stages of recuperation.
  • The forests to the south of the field station. This area is home to the main yellow tailed woolly monkey study group that we have been following for over a decade. No new deforestation has been recorded in this area since we began our work, and the new land owners have signed an agreement to ensure its protection.
    The forests to the south of the field station. This area is home to the main yellow tailed woolly monkey study group that we have been following for over a decade. No new deforestation has been recorded in this area since we began our work, and the new land owners have signed an agreement to ensure its protection.
  • The NPC team flying the drone from the field station. You can see the newly installed solar panel near the house.
    The NPC team flying the drone from the field station. You can see the newly installed solar panel near the house.
Spider Monkey Rescue

Spider Monkey Rescue

neoprimate

At the end of last week we were called to help with the rescue of an adult male black spider monkey (Ateles Chamek), an Endangered species that was being kept in a small cage in Tocache in Southern San Martin, Peru.

Rescued spider monkey

Once the operation started the authorities also found another baby black spider monkey and a Critically Endangered yellow tailed woolly monkey (Lagothrix flavicauda)! These last two were being kept together in a hanging bird cage.

None of the animals had any enrichment and the cages were far too small. Thanks to the quick work of the San Martin regional environmental authority and our long time collaborator Gabriel Garcia, who was working nearby at the time, the three animals were rescued and have all now been sent to rescue centres.

As these are all endangered species the punishment under Peruvian law is more severe and we hope that the wildlife authorities will use this power to properly prosecute the criminals involved.

Many thanks to IPPL and our private donors for continuing to fund our rescue and anti-trafficking work, without this support we wouldn’t be able to help animals like these.

Help in the time of Coronavirus

Help in the time of Coronavirus

neoprimate

Thanks to a generous donation from one of our supporters, we have been able to send much needed economic help to the local conservation association who are protecting the Gran Simacache Conservation Concession in San Martin, Peru. For 2 months Peru has been in lock down and the association members haven’t been able to get to their fields or open their businesses. Thankfully we have now been able to help them buy essential foods and other goods to keep them going until the current crisis ends.

NPC and Quarantine

neoprimate

NPC is still very busy during this period of quarantine. Although here in Peru we have to stay at home, and we ourselves can’t visit the reserves we help protect, the local conservation groups that we work with continue some of their activities. We recently got a report for the villagers of La Primavera who are protecting an area of over 7,500 ha, during recent work building a new control post they were able to get a few quick photos of the Endangered white-bellied spider monkey (Ateles belzebuth) one of the flagship species of the reserve.

Woolly Monkey Rescue

neoprimate

And just two weeks into the year and another rescued animal. This time a young woolly monkey bought in a local market and kept as a pet. We are still trying to find a permanent home for him, but until then we need to make sure he’s fed and cared for, as well as getting all his health checks done. Please keep up your support so we can keep helping animals like him.

And don’t forget, you can sign up to our Newsletter here, so you don’t miss out on our stories!

Ocelot Rescue!

Ocelot Rescue!

neoprimate

It’s only the 5th of January and we already have our first rescue of the year, a baby Ocelot. We don’t know his story yet, but tomorrow we will start with the paperwork and with finding him a good home in a rescue centre.

He is doing well but his test results came back positive for multiple types of intestinal and skin parasites, most probably due to poor care after his capture and proximity to domestic animals. We have just given him his first treatment and hope he will fully recover soon.