Primate life history, social dynamics, ecology, and conservation: Contributions from long‐term research in Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Long-term primate research in Sector Santa Rosa, Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), Costa Rica, reveals critical insights into the life history, social dynamics, and ecology of white-faced capuchins, Geoffroy's spider monkeys, and mantled howler monkeys. This study, one of the longest continuous primate studies globally, demonstrates that decades-long monitoring is essential for understanding long-lived species' reproductive success, familial relationships, behavioral repertoires, and dietary patterns. The research highlights significant inter- and intra-annual variations in forest productivity, providing a unique lens to study ecological and social interactions. Notably, this longitudinal approach has directly contributed to the conservation of the critically endangered dry forest biome, supporting education, community initiatives, and forest restoration efforts.

Melin, A. D., Hogan, J. D., Campos, F. A., Wikberg, E., King‐Bailey, G., Webb, S., Kalbitzer, U., Asensio, N., Murillo‐Chacon, E., Cheves Hernandez, S., Guadamuz Chavarria, A., Schaffner, C. M., Kawamura, S., Aureli, F., Fedigan, L., & Jack, K. M. (2020). Primate life history, social dynamics, ecology, and conservation: Contributions from long‐term research in Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Biotropica, 52(6), 1041–1064. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/btp.12867