Life in a lowland wet forest fragment on the north coast of Honduras: The mantled howlers (Alouatta palliata) of Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge

The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the sustainability of mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) living in a virtual biogeographical island on the north coast of Honduras. The theory which informs this work resides in conservation management and behavioural ecology. I conducted extensive field research during a 12-month study on the behavioural ecology, the forest they live in, and the stakeholders affecting the lives of mantled howling monkeys (Alouatta palliata) living in Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, a lowland wet forest and swamp remnant on the north coast of Honduras. There are two forested ecoregions in which the mantled howlers range. These forests are dominated by Rhizophora mangle, Pterocarpus officinalis, and Pachira aquatica. Annual diet is comprised of approximately 62% new leaves and new growth, 20% mature leaves, 13.5% fruits, and 4.5% flowers. There were 18 species used as food sources with Pterocarpus officinalis and Roystonea dunlapiana being selected 47% of total feeding time. Howlers may be a key seed disperser of the endangered yagua palm, Roystonea dunlapiana. The howlers spend 42.5% of daylight hours resting, 37.5% feeding, 14% moving, and 6% in socializing, vocalizing, and other minor activities. Home range mean was found to be 18.2 ha. Stakeholder analysis reveals that howlers have been hunted for sport but not as a food source. These results indicate that the north coast mantled howlers are surviving well in the low biodiversity of Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge forests but are pressured by fragmentation, and habitat alteration and loss. Forest remnants and living fences, in combination with management and education, are viable solutions to improve connectivity and create more habitat for the long term sustainability of the howlers, and the CySWR ecosystems.