Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Broadfield, Douglas C.

Abstract

Ecuador is home to several Neotropical primates. Some areas, and the primate fauna they support, remain little studied, as is El Pital of south-central Ecuador within Machalilla National Park. I conducted a systematic census between May--August, 2005, including some behavioral data. I documented 20 capuchins (Cebus albifrons ssp.) in three groups and 198 mantled howlers (Alouatta palliata) in 15 groups. All were cited between 2-11 kilometers from habitations. Preliminary data suggested that a Cebus monkey, previously undocumented in the area, may inhabit the park. By recording current population numbers of nonhuman primates, future research may disclose if, over time, National Park designation correlates with population change, and whether or not the local people and their activities (e.g. hunting, farming and logging) impact monkey population densities. The results of this study can aid in the development of educational outreach programs to increase public awareness while fostering an eco-tourism industry.

Extent

79 p.

Comments

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2006.|Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

Identifier

FADT13346

Format

pdf

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