In Ecuador

Proyecto Primates began in 1994 as a research group led by Anthony Di Fiore in Ecuador. Since then it has been developing different research projects in the Yasuni National Park area where 10 species of primates are found. The research has been done in two sites: Estación Científica Yasuní of Pontificia Universidad la Católica de Ecuador and Tiputini Biodiversity Station of Universidad San Francisco de Quito.

In Colombia

In Colombia Proyecto Primates also originated as a research group in 2005 and later became an official Non-for-profit organization with the mission of promoting primate research and conservation in this country.

Proyecto Primates, under the leadership of Dr. Andrés Link and Dr. Gabriela de Luna, has undertaken various research and conservation projects with a strong emphasis on the Magdalena River Valley, which is part of the Choco-Magdalena Tumbes biodiversity hotspot. This valley is home to critically endangered brown spider monkeys and other endangered primate species, such as varied white-fronted capuchins, grey-legged night monkeys, and white-footed Tamarins. Our research and conservation efforts are dedicated to the protection of these species and their habitats.

Learn more...

Brown Spider Monkey Project

In December 2005, we started our reserach project on the Brown Spider Monkey behavioral ecology. Brown spider monkeys are one of the most endagered primates in the world. Our research has focused on the study of several aspects of the primate community ecology , social behavior and population structure. An important aspect of the research has been to understand the effects of deforestation on the ecological and behavioral strategies of the Brown Spider Monkeys.

Atelids Behavioral Ecology

This long term research project led by Dr. Anthony Di Fiore and Dr. Andrés Link, in Ecuador and Colombia, aims to understand many aspects of how different species behave in relation to their different requirements and their habitat intervention.

Community Conservation in Colombia

We work with the local communities to promote conservation in the area. We have designed and executed several environmental education workshops. Each year we celebrate the Festival del Choibo in Bocas del Carare, Santander the last Festivals in collaboration with Proyecto de Vida Silvestre.

Restoring and Preserving Habitat in the Magdalena River Valley

Preserving and connecting fragmented habitats is key for the survival of many endangered species. We have the following strategies: 1. Conservation agreements with private land owners 2. The creation and conservation of our Natural Reserves 3. Creation of corridors that connect remaining forest 4. Restoration and enrichment of primate habitat 5. Support of regional conservation areas.

Primates in Fragments

In addition to our studies on the behavioral ecology of the Brown Spider Monkey, we have also conducted research on other primates in the area. Our investigations have centered on various facets of the primate community ecology, such as social behavior and population structure. A crucial aspect of our research has been to examine the impacts of deforestation on the ecological and behavioral patterns of the primates in the Madalena Valley.

The Owl Monkey Project

In 2018 we began the Owl Monkey Project led by Sebastián Montilla & Andrés Link. The main goal of this project is to describe the behavioral ecology of the unstudied Lemurine Night Monkey (A. lemurinus) and the the gray-handed night monkey (A. griseimembra).

Fishing Plastic in Colombia

In 2020 we began Fishing Plastic, a novel and innovative project, initially funded by EOCA, that has focused on community-based Fishing Plastics clean-up and restoration activities to enhance nature tourism and sustainable development in the area, looking forward to promote harmonious livelihoods.

Comming soon...