Demographic population structure of black howler monkeys in fragmented and continuous forest in Chiapas, Mexico: Implications for conservation

Black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in fragmented forests around Palenque National Park, Mexico, exhibit higher population density and a significantly lower proportion of multimale groups compared to their counterparts in continuous, protected forest. This demographic shift suggests potential population growth over time but raises concerns about long-term genetic diversity due to the scarcity of adult males, possibly caused by increased mortality during dispersal in fragmented landscapes. Researchers analyzed 62 groups (407 individuals) in unprotected fragments and 21 groups (134 individuals) in Palenque National Park's primary forest using χ² and Mann–Whitney U tests, comparing current data with previous studies spanning 17 years. The study highlights the ecological and behavioral impacts of habitat fragmentation on primate populations, offering critical insights for conservation strategies.

Klass, K., Van Belle, S., & Estrada, A. (2020). Demographic population structure of black howler monkeys in fragmented and continuous forest in Chiapas, Mexico: Implications for conservation. American Journal of Primatology, 82(8). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.23163