Facilities

Two distinct primate populations are maintained: Free roaming natural populations located in national parks and on nearby islands serve as model populations for ecological reproductive and ethological studies conducted under natural conditions Colony reared populations raised under controlled conditions ensure a continuos supply of well socialized, high quality animals of known health status. The enrichment of the natural gene pool obtained by these breeding efforts serve to propagate the species through repopulation trials.

Six shelters house the breeding colonies consisting of some animals, two shelters are allocated for the quarantine of primates and one shelter has been dedicated to preserve a collection of Peru's rare and endangered primate species.

The Impact of the Peruvian Primatology Project on Wildlife Conservation and Socioeconomic Development The founding of a wildlife census program providing precise knowledge on taxonomy, biodiversity, geographical distribution and population density of the 32 nonhuman primate species indigenous to Peru.

The establishment of The Center for Primate Reproduction and Conservation in Iquitos, Peru. Studies coordinated through this institution have resulted in management guidelines for the protection and the conservation of nonhuman primates in colony reared facilities and in the wild.

Three natural island habitats in the Amazonian river basin comprise more than 65 km2. They serve as centers for repopulation trials and areas for the study of natural breeding and behavioral patterns.

A significant decrease in the mortality rate and number of transferred animals has resulted from political and scientific efforts to control the random capture of the nonhuman primates and regulate their rational production and use. Between 1964 and 1974, an average of 33,000 animals were exported per year. Ministerial resolutions have, in recent years, limited primate export to 600 animals per year. These policies have resulted in up to a 94% decrease in the export of live primates and a reduction in mortality from 80%, to less than 2%.

The Peruvian Primatology Project requires an extensive and efficient infrastructure and thus serves as a source of community employment providing an important alternative to urban migration.

The awareness for the need of primate conservation and population management is gaining important ground within the community. Nonhuman primates, once regarded primarily as a food source, are now being recognized as a valuable and renewable natural resource.

The Peruvian Primatology Project has supported the construction of local schools, implemented health care and agricultural training programs, it ad established vaccination campaigns to improve the overall quality of life in these inaccessible jungle areas.