Elisabeth Frank

Census data can provide us with critical information about the presence of flora and fauna at a given site, which in turn provides us with important information about the distribution and habitat preferences of given taxa. In this study, we used census methods to identify the distribution of primate species/groups along an altitudinal gradient of Andean and Amazonian terrain found at Soqtapata, Peru to a) help clarify taxonomic designation of the primates at this site, and b) better understand their habitat preferences and group compositions. Census surveys were conducted over eight weeks in summer 2024 through linear transects by walking 4 km of main trails of the concession. Each time an individual/group was detected, species ID demographic data were recorded and location data were collected via a Garmin GPS. When possible, I conducted follows of individuals/groups & collected photographic data for identification. Over two summers (2021 and 2024), we completed 94 census surveys with 19 primate encounters. We identified at least two groups of large-headed capuchins (Sapajus macrocephalus) and one group of woolly monkeys (Lagothrix sp.). There were 22 encounters of the Sapajus groups outside of the census periods and seven encounters with the Lagothrix groups. The average group composition of the Sapajus groups were 2-4 individuals. While we successfully encountered primate groups, there were 29 other primate encounters that occurred outside of census periods, highlighting the limitations of census surveys with unhabituated primates. Future research should consider more passive methods of data collection in order to detect the presence or absence of animals at sites that are more difficult to traverse and have limited visibility. By doing so, we will be able to further expand our knowledge on the unique biodiversity of this region as well as increase primatological research conducted at Soqtapata. Funding for this research was provided by the Rebecca Jeanne Andrew Memorial Award, Undergraduate Summer Scholars Program, Dean's Scholar Award, Undergraduate Research Award, and the Center for Career Exploration & Success from Miami University.