Global News - July 2007

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Monkeys threatened by Costa Rican developments

Mon 30 July 2007 13:30 UK — South America

Developments which have expanded into the rain forest have had a significant effect on monkey populations in Costa Rica, experts have warned.

At a seminar in the country, scientists warned that populations of primates including howler, white face, spider and squirrel monkeys in Costa Rica have declined by up to a half in the last 12 years.

Increased development not only destroys the animals' natural habit but also isolates surviving populations, making it harder for them to breed, the experts warned.

University of Costa Rica researcher Gustavo Gutierrez told Reuters: "The principal factor that reduces the populations is always sooner or later the deterioration of habitat.

"What we have is 25 per cent of the country in 'islands', without genetic contact between one island and another."

Spider monkeys have been particularly affected by the developments - their population has decreased from 26,000 in 1995 to just 7,000.

In an attempt to save the monkeys, experts called on the country's government to increase the number and size of protected areas and create 'corridors' to link isolated regions.

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