Northern muriqui

Brazil’s Atlantic Forest biome is one of the most degraded ecosystems in the world, with only just over 20% of the original area of this incredible forest currently intact. It is also home to a Critically Endangered primate, the Northern muriqui, as well as our conservation partner Primatas PERDidos (or Lost Primates), headed up by Dr Vanessa de Paula Guimarães Lopes.

Northern muriquis are the largest monkeys in South America. They are a fascinating species with a complex social system lead by dominant females rather than males. They are born with totally black faces, which start to depigment to pink when the monkey is three years old. The depigmentation patterns are unique and so can be used to identify individual monkeys.

Deforestation and fragmentation in the Atlantic Forest have had a devastating effect on this species. There are now fewer than 1,000 Northern muriquis left, spread across just seven viable populations and the species is listed as Critically Endangered. Habitat fragmentation makes it difficult for female Northern muriquis to disperse and form new groups, and this population isolation has damaging consequences.

Our support of Primatas PERDidos is helping collect vital information regarding the status of Northern muriqui in one of is strongholds, the Rio Doce State Park. Here, Dr Vanessa de Paula Guimarães Lopes and her team are using a combination of on the ground and drone surveys to identify individuals, track their movements, and monitor this important population. Vanessa and the team are also working to raise awareness of this species that few people are ever lucky enough to see by conducting outreach and education in local communities.

Through this combination of research, education, and community engagement, Primatas PERDidos is helping to prevent the extinction of Northern muriqui, both locally in Rio Doce and beyond.