On a New Species of Titi Monkey, Genus Callicebus Thomas (Primates, Pitheciidae), from Western Bolivia with Preliminary Notes on Distribution and Abundance

Abstract

This paper describes a new species of titi monkey, Callicebus aureipalatii, recently discovered in the Madidi protected area of northwestern Bolivia. Descriptions are based on observations, photographs and video material, and the subsequent collection of two specimens. Preliminary surveys and notes on habitat associations indicate that C. aureipalatii is limited in distribution to the western side of the Río Beni. It is found in the Andean foothills and immediately adjacent lowland forests. Line transect studies at four sites and subsequent extrapolations based on available suitable habitat suggest that population densities are sufficiently high to ensure the protection of this species within the confines of the Madidi protected area. This finding is discussed with reference to the general lack of knowledge regarding titi monkey distributions in Bolivia.