The project has started in 2007 with an extensive research program.

 Objectives

The main objectives of our study are to determine the distribution and status of Callicebus oenanthe, and to determine what conservation actions are necessary. 

Effective conservation measures are, in our opinion, only possible with good knowledge on the taxonomy and distribution of the species. Until 2007 there was very little information on the species, it was only known from 5 localities in the Alto Mayo Valley. The species was thought to be endangered, but the lack of data made conservation actions impossible.

Methods

The first step of our research program is an extensive survey in the San Martin Department. During the survey, we collect information on:

►      The distribution of the species

►      Habitat use of the species

►      The differences in colouration between populations

►      the main threats to the species

During the surveys we use several methods:

- Direct observations

- The playback of recorded territory calls to evoke a reaction of existing groups

- Interviews with locals

Results

The results of the first study period have been published in the International Journal of Primatology (Bóveda-Penalba, Vermeer, Rodrigo and Guerra-Vásquez (2009): Preliminary Report on the Distribution of Callicebus oenanthe on the Eastern Feet of the Andes. Int J Primatol 30:467–480).

The study has been continued in 2008.

In summary we can conclude that:

-          the distribution range of the species is much larger than expected

-          there is not evidence yet of different subspecies

-          a possibly new, undescribed species of titi monkey lives in the south of San Martin

-          the San Martin titi monkey is seriously threathened due to massive deforestation and poaching