Conservation and ecology of nocturnal primates: night monkeys, galagos, pottos and angwantibos as case studies

Nocturnal primates are generally understudied compared to their diurnal cousins, and in some geographical areas there is an almost complete dearth of knowledge on nocturnal primates, for example in Angola and the Gambia. Also well-studied species are less known in part of their distribution, thick-tailed greater galago (Otolemur crassicaudatus) in Uganda and the Panamanian night monkey (Aotus zonalis) are both a case in point. Further there are topics where African nocturnal primates in particular previously have been overlooked: trade and ethnozoological usage. My publications included in this PhD by Published Work document the results of field surveys carried out between 2006 and 2016 across Africa (Uganda, the Gambia and Angola) as well as Central and South America (Panama and Argentina). They further include results of desk based studies conducted between 2014 and 2016. My research has focused on the conservation and ecology on often little known nocturnal primates, namely night monkeys (Aotus spp.), galagos (Galago spp., Galagoides spp. and Otolemur spp.), pottos (Perodicticus spp.) and angwantibos (Arctocebus spp.). The overall goal of my studies was to fill the large information gaps on the ecology, biogeography and conservation status of nocturnal primates. Using systematic methods, conducting transects and behavioural observation I have collected data on previously understudied nocturnal primates, including data on their distribution, densities and ecology. These field studies were then combined with data I extracted from the literature, questionnaires and online databases adding to what we know on domestic and international trade in nocturnal primates. I have with my research showed that nocturnal primates of Africa occur more frequently than previously thought within both the bushmeat and pet trades. I was also able to give an overview of the extent of international trade in the Neotropical nocturnal primates. Through my research and subsequent publications I have managed to create baselines for further studies and hopefully it will aid in promoting conservation of these nocturnal primates.

Grantor dc:publisher

Oxford Brookes University

Year dc:date

2017

Author dc:creator

• Svensson, Magdalena Susanna

Contributors dc:contributor

• Nijman, Vincent

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.24384/mtzm-7519

OAI identifier oai:identifier

tle:365a0c78-cc98-4fb2-bcdd-47a299933b4f:d6bd9758-527a-46cd-bfe2-c433766e8fca:1