Genetic Approach of the Coiba Island Howler Monkey Alouatta coibensis coibensis from Panama, and Its Conservation Implications

A genetic analysis of the Coiba island howler monkey (Alouatta coibensis coibensis) reveals high genetic diversity and connectivity within its population, suggesting resilience despite signs of past contraction. Researchers analyzed 14 fecal samples from two sites on Coiba Island in Panama using cytochrome oxidase I (COI) markers, finding haplotype diversity ranging from 0.68 to 0.80 and nucleotide diversity between 0.0026 and 0.0041. The study also detected evidence of population decline via Tajima's D but noted strong genetic flow, indicating a single, genetically healthy population. These findings provide critical baseline data for assessing the conservation status of this isolated primate species and its adaptive potential in the face of environmental changes.

Díaz-Ferguson, E., Ramos, C. W., Pineda, Y., Gutiérrez-Pineda, K. M., Castro-Pérez, E., & Méndez-Carvajal, P. G. (2024). GENETIC APPROACH OF THE COIBA ISLAND HOWLER MONKEY Alouatta coibensis coibensis FROM PANAMA, AND ITS CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS. Tecnociencia, 26(1), 112–128. https://doi.org/10.48204/j.tecno.v26n1.a4653