Expeditions
Amazonian Biodiversity remains largely unexplored. Even large animals such as primates are still being discovered at unprecedented rates, nearly 1 primate species per year over the last 20 years. Although part of this increase in species descriptions is the result of greater scrutiny in taxonomic studies and increased use of molecular techniques, the bulk of the discoveries and certainly the most surprising ones have come from an increased number of scientific expeditions to unexplored regions of Amazonia.
Primates of the Pantepui. Several expeditions to the Pantepui area of Brazil, i.e., Apiau, Neblina, Tapirapeco, Araca and Imeri mts, on the border of Brazil and Venezuela were conducted with the objective of improving our knowledge on the primate community of this isolated and little known region of South America. Several primate taxa previously not reported in this region were found, namely, Humboldt black-headed uacari (Cacajao melanocephalus melanocephalus), bearded saki (Chiropotes israelita) and the wedged capped capuchin (Cebus olivaceus). In addition, isolated population of Humboldt squirrel monkey (Saimiri cf. cassiquiarensis), and a distinct morph of red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus) were observed near the Imeri mountains on the right bank of the Cauaburi river, main watercourse of Pico da Neblina National Park. Finally, Cheracebus lugens was found on the right bank of Rio Negro, putting in doubt the very existence of Cheracebus torquatus. This area of Amazonia is quite pristine although Yanomami people can exert considerable hunting pressure locally.
