Abstract

The Neotropics, tropical areas of South and Central America are home to the largest number of primate species of any bio-region. Many of these species face a serious risk of extinction due to anthropogenic factors such as hunting and deforestation. In 2007 a new NGO was set up to promote the in-situ conservation of these species, Neotropical Primate Conservation (NPC) is the first NGO solely dedicated to this end. NPC breaks from traditional conservation methods in that it includes compatible sustainable development, environmental education and reforestation as core objectives in addition to more traditional investigation and habitat protection. NPC's first major project aims to aid the conservation of the little known and critically endangered yellow tailed woolly monkey (Oreonax flavicauda) in Peru. One and half years into the project some of the major obstacles experienced have been difficulties in raising funds, un-cooperative governments and institutions and an initial lack of understanding within local communities. Advances have been made into understanding the needs of and threats to this species, networking between local NGOs and developing low-cost, high-quality working techniques.

Key words: Conservation, primates, sustainable development, yellow tailed woolly Monkey.