Translocation of red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) in French Guiana

A wide translocation program was conducted on neotropical fauna in French G uiana during the filling of a hydroelectric reservoir. Red howler monkeys ( Alouatta seniculus) were studied because available data on their behavior i n undisturbed conditions provided the basis for behavioral comparison with translocated animals. A resident howler population was present in the selec ted release area, but population densities were severely reduced by previou s strong hunting pressure. A post-release survey was conducted during 18 mo nths using radio-tracking and visual observations of 16 females. Most radio -tagged females settled in a stable home range. All but one of the released troops split up but all the monitored females were thereafter re-observed with resident congeners, sometimes after a period of solitary living. Most of the behavioral characteristics of the translocated individuals correspon ded to previous observations on undisturbed animals. It is concluded that t he behavioral abilities of this species helped them to survive and settle i n a new area. Population reinforcements or re-introduction of red howlers m ay therefore be conducted with a good probability of success. (C) 2000 Else vier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.