Monkeys at Cloudbridge | Cloudbridge Nature Reserve in Costa Rica

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Monkeys at Cloudbridge:
A Survey

Cloudbridge Nature Reserve
Costa Rica

by Laura Branagan

Part 1: Survey Method

Part 2: Visitor Information and Survey

Two species of monkey are found at Cloudbridge. This project involves collection of data on these species. The first part describes the method of observations and data collection for researchers at Cloudbridge. The second section provides visitors with background information on the local species of monkeys and related flora and fauna, and offers visitor to participate in the study by recording their observations. The study, begun in early 2008, has already provided us with a much clearer picture of the range and habits of the local monkey troops.

Cloudbridge Nature Reserve lies in the Talamanca mountain range in south-eastern Costa Rica. The reserve, adjoining a UNESCO World Heritage national park, was established to preserve and reforest an important gap in the cloud forest on the slopes of Mt Chirripó, the highest mountain in Costa Rica.

Part 1
Monkey Survey Methodology and Interim Results

Cebus capuchinus (white-faced capuchin monkey)

The monkeys. Two species of monkeys frequent the forests of Cloudbridge.

Ateles geoffroyi (commonly referred to as spider monkey, mono arana, and mono colorado). These monkeys range from Mexico to Colombia, from sea level to at least 2,800 meters (the entrance to Cloudbridge is about 1,560 meters). They occur mostly in large expanses of primary (old growth) forest. Spider monkeys are important seed dispersers; after consuming fruits, the seeds pass through their digestive tracts and then germinate in the environment. Populations are vulnerable to deforestation and we are hoping that their numbers increase as the Cloudforest reforestation project continues.
Cebus capucinus (commonly referred to as white faced monkey, capuchin, and mono carablanca) This monkey, pictured at right, ranges from Belize to Colombia and Ecuador, from sea level to approximately 3,000 meters. They travel through all levels of the forest canopy in groups of up to 30 individuals. They are omnivorous, meaning they eat animal and plant matter, with fruit and insects comprising most of their diet. Females give birth most often in the dry season (at Cloudbridge, December through April).

Survey method. The field research method can be described as daily Monkey Excursions. Information on each excursion is recorded, whether or not any monkeys were observed. It is equally important to know when monkeys were and were not observed. When monkeys are observed, the data recorded include: species, behavior, location, movements, times, waypoints and elevations. These are compiled in a spreadsheet.

Preliminary results. This study has included 51 excursions so far, during March-June 2008. The results of these are summarized below:

Excursions	% None seen	% Spider monkeys seen	% Capuchin monkeys seen	Spider, average group size	Spider, average ratio adults/total	Capuchin, average group size	Capuchin, average ratio adults/total
51	51%	43%	6%	3	85%	2	100%

Researchers. Laura Branagan designed this study. Volunteer researchers who have participated in this survey are:
Laura Branagan
Michelle Burtt
Tom Gode
and visitors

The full survey methodology: monkey_survey_guidelines.pdf
Interim results in an Excel file: monkey_survey_results.xls

Part 2
Visitor Information and Survey

Are you planning to hike on Cloudbridge as a visitor? If so, you can participate in primate research while you hike. We are conducting a long-term study of the monkeys of Cloudbridge. We are interested in documenting where monkeys occur within the reserve, the size of their populations, and how they make use of the forest. As you may have read elsewhere, portions of the landscape at Cloudbridge are undergoing great changes thanks to an exciting and successful reforestation project.

As the habitats within the reserve change, the types of creatures that live in the reserve also change. We want to document how monkey populations respond to changes in the Cloudbridge landscape, especially with regard to reforested areas. Would you like to help us collect information on the monkeys at Cloudbridge? If so, come to Cloudbridge, and take a Monkey Booklet, a Monkey Questionnaire, and a pencil with you on your hike. Your observations will contribute to the research database.

The Monkey Booklet: cloudbridge_monkey_booklet.pdf
Monkey Observation Reporting Sheet: cloudbridge_monkey_report_sheet.pdf

Interested in doing research at Cloudbridge?
Reseachers must bring independent funding for their projects, including travel and living expenses. Send us some information about your research qualifications, what you wish to study, and when you can come. If your project is accepted, we'll assist in finding accommodation and provide access to the reserve. We'll also publish the results of the research on the Cloudbridge website. To discuss your ideas, contact Ian & Genevieve Giddy (see the contact page).