Given the dire condition of existing biodiversity and the limited availability of funding to protect it, conservation practitioners and scholars are increasingly recognizing the need to monitor and evaluate conservation investments. In line with this trend, our objective was to assess the conservation impact of the American Society of Primatologists' (ASP) Conservation Small Grant Program. Since 1989, the ASP has provided funding in support of research- and education-based projects aimed at effecting primate conservation. To date, 185 projects on 74 primate species have been supported in 41 countries. To accomplish our objective, we developed and administered a voluntary survey to former grant recipients from the years of 1997–2012 to assess whether ASP funded projects resulted in further research, dissemination of results, capacity building and other conservation outcomes. We also assessed grant recipients’ perceptions regarding factors that impeded conservation outcomes and factors that would have facilitated greater success. Of the 106 people we contacted, 42 responded, giving a 39.6% response rate. Seventy-nine percent of respondents reported at least one conservation outcome. The two most frequently reported outcomes were: (1) research presence generates greater local awareness/interest in target species and/or its habitat, and (2) increased scientific understanding of target species. None of the respondents reported outcomes directly related to the status of the target primate species. Capacity building through the training and employment of students, local people, and protected area staff was reported by 81% of respondents. Almost all of the respondents (93%) disseminated their project results in some fashion (e.g., scholarly journals, newspapers, local radio and TV, conference presentations, and presentations to local schools and communities). The top five factors impeding conservation outcomes were: (1) limited funding, (2) limited time, (3) illegal resource extraction, (4) changes in local government, and (5) lack of support from local people. The top three suggestions for ensuring more successful outcomes were: (1) develop partnerships with local governments and NGOs, (2) establish a long-term research presence, and (3) secure follow-up funding. Overall, the results highlight the importance of garnering local support for primate conservation projects, sustaining a long-term research presence at field sites, clearly defining terms used in monitoring and evaluation, building evaluation into the design of primate conservation projects, and encouraging and enabling researchers to share both successes and failures.

Here we report on the results of a study on the distribution and taxonomy of titi monkeys, genus Callicebus, in the central part of Peru. We reinstate Callicebus toppini Thomas, a species described in 1914, but since then neglected by science. It evidently has a wide distribution in southern Peru, western Brazil and northern Bolivia. Based on field observations, analysis of museum specimens, and photographs, we also describe a new species of Callicebus from the Río Urubamba basin, endemic to Peru. Reliable identification of titi monkeys observed in the wild is crucial to avoid confusion and to determine conservation strategies.

We report on the current status and threats to Lagothrix flavicauda and other primates that inhabit montane forest of the Región Huánuco; an area that has been little explored with regard to its primate fauna and other mammals. During 618 km of transect walks in June–July 2014 and September–October 2014, we encountered 47 groups of five primate species, the most common being Alouatta seniculus (15 groups) and Lagothrix flavicauda (13 groups). We also observed four groups of Aotus sp. in the Miraflores census site. Lagothrix flavicauda was seen only in the microbasin of the Río Chontayacu, and Ateles chamek in the upper Río Huallaga. The primates were living in patches of primary and remnant forest surrounded by farmland and pasture except in Chontayacu, where the forest is still dense and extensive. Of the three species with complete counts, group sizes were largest for L. flavicauda (mean 13.6 ±7.8, n = 5) and smallest for A. seniculus (mean 5 ±3.5, n = 11). Population densities were highest for L. flavicauda (20.8 ind./km²) and lowest for Sapajus macrocephalus (2.7 ind./km²). Deforestation for agriculture and cattle ranching and hunting are the major threats to the survival of these primates. Sapajus macrocephalus and Cebus yuracus were the most affected by these threats, particularly in the Río Chinchao microbasin,

The genus Cheirogaleus, the dwarf lemurs (Infraorder Lemuriformes), has been identified as harboring cryptic species diversity. More comprehensive fieldwork combined with improvements in genetic research has revealed a larger radiation of species than was initially described in a number of lemur genera, including Avahi, Lepilemur, Microcebus, and Mirza. Available genetic and morphological evidence suggests that Cheirogaleus is among the genera where diversity was previously underestimated, and additional fieldwork may reveal even more species. A population of Cheirogaleus from northern Madagascar in and around Montagne d'Ambre National Park, surveyed during an expedition in 2005, was recently identified and proposed as a new species. Additional specimens were obtained during fieldwork in February of 2015. Subsequent genetic and morphological analyses of the data collected have determined that this population is an independent lineage, and herein we describe this new species, which we name Cheirogaleus andysabini after New York philanthropist Andy Sabin.

Knowledge of a species' social organization and spatial needs is essential to set up effective conservation measures. To date, there have been published studies on the home range size and social organization of only three of the 26 sportive lemur species currently recognized; there is no information available for the remaining 23. We studied home range size and social organization for the first time in the Critically Endangered Sahamalaza sportive lemur (Lepilemur sahamalazensis) by following eight radio-tagged individuals for 666 hours. Observations were made at night, recording interactions between them and the distances they travelled. Home ranges covered 0.38 ha and there was no overlap between adult individuals; nightly ranges were about 0.1 ha. Almost no social interactions were seen, and the very few observed sociopositive interactions took place between mother and kin, as suggested by size differences and diurnal observations. The small number of individuals observed makes conclusive inferences about the social organization of L. sahamalazensis difficult to make, but the low level of social interaction and cohesiveness shown indicates little social complexity and the possibility that they are essentially solitary.

The south-central highland region of Madagascar is largely deforested, except for rare, small forest fragments scattered across the landscape. Some of these fragments are now being managed by local community conservation associations, after village residents have seen, first hand, how decades of deforestation and, more recently, climate change in the region have affected their agricultural crops. Furthermore, ecotourism is becoming more common in this area, with the two largest fragments, Anja Community Reserve and the Tsaranoro Valley forest, frequently receiving both Malagasy and foreign visitors. The combination of revenue from such tourism and the prospects of greater food security (by conserving and expanding existing fragments, leading to better soil conditions for nearby crops and rice fields) has resulted in increased fragment preservation over the past few years. We surveyed seven of these fragments in August and September, 2013, with two goals: (1) to evaluate the viability of ring-tailed lemur populations in each fragment in relation to food and water resource availability; and (2) to discuss, with village conservation association leaders, the goals of each association regarding fragment conservation and benefits to local residents. Anja Reserve, operating since 1999, is highly successful, and the association's ecotourism and community development projects have won them national and international recognition. In 2012, village associations Sakaviro Miray, FI.MI.VA Samisorany, and Antokinihoavy-Andranobe received NGO funding to help build a tourism presence in the region, and infrastructure for such activities had begun when we visited these sites in 2013. The Tsaranoro Valley, where three of the fragments are located, is an adventure tourism destination; however, much of the tourism revenue goes to the owners of the trekking camps, although a portion of the funds are donated to the local Association Tantely each year, and these camps also provide jobs for local villagers. Recent efforts are underway to expand these three fragments via reforestation, and to create a corridor between two of them in order to assist with the dispersal of L. catta males, and thus assist with potential population gene flow.

Data are lacking on intraspecific variability in life history traits for the Critically Endangered greater bamboo lemur (Prolemur simus). Until now, detailed investigations on wild individuals had only been published for Ranomafana National Park, limiting the predictive power on the greater bamboo lemurs' possible responses to threats such as habitat loss and climate change. In this study, data were compiled on vital statistics and basic aspects of infant development for a 48-month period in Kianjavato, Madagascar. The area is mixed-use lowland forest with dense pockets of bamboo amid a disturbed landscape. Four core social groups, which would frequently coalesce into two larger groups, were monitored intensively. The birth pulse occurred in mid- to late September, nearly one month earlier than in Ranomafana National Park. Interbirth intervals and rates of attainment of infant developmental landmarks such as locomotor independence and weaning are discussed. Infant mortality averaged 47% with most deaths concentrated in December and January, while adult mortality was low with most deaths occurring during the dry season. Annual female adult mortality ranged from 0% to 22%. The mortality of adult males could not be assessed due to their dispersal.

A survey to assess the conservation status of the Niger Delta red colobus (Piliocolobus epieni) was carried out across the species' range in central Niger Delta in 2013. The survey results suggest that the population has declined significantly since it was first assessed in 1996; c. 90% lower than the previous estimate of <10,000 individuals about 20 years ago. Using cumulative observation data, I suggest that the current estimate of the total population surviving in the wild can only number in the hundreds rather than the thousands. The major threats are habitat loss and degradation, but hunting is still a significant threat to the species’ survival. Based on spatial analysis of forest cover within the species range over a 22-year period, it is estimated that deforestation occurs at an average of 1.2% annually, thus, suggesting that if the species' decline is primarily driven by habitat loss, it may become extinct in 5 years or less. Only two areas were found where viable populations of the species still persist. The forests in these areas are severely fragmented, but together total approximately 78 km². With no formal protection throughout its range, priorities for conserving remnant populations of the species must include the establishment of effective conservation areas, taking into consideration the needs and livelihoods of local communities, and promulgating laws and policies (both at government and local levels) that fully protect the species throughout its range.

Understanding habitat preference and use is an important aspect of primate ecology, and is essential for setting conservation strategies. This study examined the activity budget, feeding ecology and selection of sleeping trees of a population of white-thighed colobus (Colobus vellerosus). A group of 18 was followed during 72 days over a full annual cycle in the Kikélé Sacred Forest of the Bassila administrative region in central Benin (West Africa). Activity budget and diet were determined using scan sampling. The structure of the habitat and the physical characteristics of sleeping trees were determined using plot surveys. Resting, feeding, moving, social interactions and other activities accounted for 56.6%, 26.3%, 13.0%, 3.3%, and 0.7% of the activity budget, respectively. The group spent more time feeding and less time moving in the dry season compared to the rainy season. The diet was composed of 35 plant species belonging to 16 families, with items including leaves, fruits, seeds, buds, bark, flowers, gum, and inflorescences. Only three tree species were used as sleeping trees: Celtis integrifolia, Cola cordifolia, and Holoptelea grandis. Our findings suggest that the monkeys prefer tall (22.53 ± SD 3.76 m) and large-trunked (112.07 ± SD 14.23 cm) sleeping trees. The results of this study can be used for sound management of the white-thighed colobus in the study area and elsewhere.

The Mount Kilimanjaro guereza Colobus guereza caudatus is considered to be endemic to northeast Tanzania. This paper presents the first records for C. g. caudatus in Kenya, describes the distribution of this subspecies, and assesses its conservation status. In September 2014, we found C. g. caudatus in southeast Kenya in Kitobo Forest Reserve (1.6 km²) and Loitokitok Forest Reserve (4.2 km²). This subspecies has an altitudinal range of c. 660–3,050 m asl and an ‘Extent of Occurrence’ of c. 4,040 km². These findings are important as they: (1) add one subspecies of primate to Kenya’s primate list; (2) remove one endemic subspecies of primate from Tanzania's primate list; (3) establish C. g. caudatus as the most threatened primate subspecies in Kenya; (4) change the priorities for actions necessary to maintain Kenya's primate diversity; and (5) indicate that detailed biodiversity surveys within Kitobo Forest and Loitokitok Forest are likely to yield new data crucial to the conservation of biodiversity in southeast Kenya.

This paper details Geza Teleki's contributions in the development of a wildlife conservation movement in Sierra Leone in the late 1970s to early 1980s. Teleki, a primatologist researcher and an animal rights activist, arrived in Sierra Leone in 1979 to find an inactive government wildlife conservation program and a thriving primate export sector. Shocked by what he saw, he worked with local and international environmentalists to build a wildlife conservationist movement in Sierra Leone. From capricious negotiations with presidential dictator Siaka Stevens to theurgical conflicts with local communities, Teleki helped to lay the groundwork for transforming wildlife conservation in the small West African nation. In this paper, I explore these contributions, reconstructing Teleki's position as a historical actor in Sierra Leone as well as providing some reflection on how the legacy of his work has been inscribed upon Sierra Leone's contemporary wildlife conservation landscape

Conservation International's Indonesia field program has carried out three conservation awareness programs; two are still running, while one was discontinued due to lack of funding. These conservation education programs are part of a long-term plan to prioritize large-scale efforts to conserve biodiversity in Indonesia by pulling together various stakeholders and partners. Environmental education programs can be sustained through partnerships with local NGOs, the government, universities, the private sector and donors. Successes with regard to the conservation of flagship species have been notable in some areas. The Bodogol Conservation Education Center, for example, has focused on the Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch) and the Javan eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi), while the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) was used as a flagship species in the education programs at the Sibolangit Interpretive Center. Discontinuation of the Sibolangit Interpretive Center occurred due to a lack of donor support, as has been the case for many conservation education programs in Indonesia. Nationwide, few public awareness programs that focus on species have survived and been proven effective without relying on donors. A key to the success of the surviving programs is engagement with a variety of partners that provide diverse skills, funding opportunities, and resources.