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Eco Preservation Society's Primate Research Program in Manuel Antonio will provide the valuable information necessary to focus these reforestation efforts. It aims to collect important scientific information that will give local and national decision makers the knowledge they need to properly plan for the continued existence of these amazing creatures as well as allow for a healthy and sustainable local economy. Our study in the area in and around the Manuel Antonio National Park aims to generate information that can be used to protect the natural corridors and proper levels of biodiversity that sustain this emblematic and charismatic primate species as well as a multitude of other important wild species sharing this extremely biodiverse part of the world. We are planning to work through 4 main stages of scientific exploration, in a specific order, with the intention of developing a useful and well thought out plan to preserve both Manuel Antonio’s Mono Titi and its economic engine, working towards achieving environmental and social sustainability.

Research Goals

We envision working in the area in the long term, investigating new research questions as we begin to answer the first ones. This tiered process will allow us to have a solid base of information to inform each continuing stage. Our overall goals are explained briefly in the last two stages.

• Stage 1 - Consists of the identification of the different Squirrel Monkey populations currently present in the area, with a characterization of their habitat and as a final step carrying out a population-structure analysis.

• Stage 2 – Consists of an analysis of sub-populations and meta-populations 

• Stage 3 – Consists of an analysis of genetic viability and diversity

• Stage 4 – Working to improve habitat connectivity and genetic health within the various sub populations in the area. This activity will consist of partnerships with local landowners who are eager to participate in important conservation work, who see the value of working towards an overall more sustainable local eco-community. They will see the advantage of managing their land in a more sustainable way. This stage will also require a strong and productive partnership with the government, to effectively achieve conservation goals such as relocating individual animals within the various subpopulations to help achieve sufficient levels of genetic health.

• Stage 4b – Develop a series of inputs to be used in future land use and regional planning efforts, providing decision makers with the detailed and high resolution information they need to make informed decisions. This can consist of detailed habitat and corridor maps, indicating the most important areas to preserve in perpetuity to achieve long term self sustaining wildlife populations. It is important to note that this is not an effort to restrict and limit development, but instead an effort to allow development to occur in a smart, informed and sustainable way.

Eco Preservation Society has established a Wildlife Conservation Research Center in the heart of the Manuel Antonio area in order to facilitate our research programs. Researchers, Interns and Volunteers will live and work in the seventy-bed facility. Our center will serve as a hub for conservation activity throughout the Central Pacific Conservation Zone.