Neotropical Primate Conservation contacted Dr. Rob Horwich for assistance in development of the community conservation component of the yellow-tailed woolly monkey conservation program, and in early 2009 Community Conservation began work on this project. CC obtained a grant from the Margo Marsh Biodiversity Foundation to fund Rob’s work mentoring and consulting with NPC to promulgate community conservation methodology. Dr. Horwich traveled to Peru and from July 7 through August 5, 2009 he conducted a series of training programs for NPC, members of local NGO’s and community members.

NPC now works with local communities to create a network of community run conservation reserves for the yellow-tailed woolly monkey. Community projects include scientific census work within the proposed reserves, a reforestation program using native tree species that are beneficial to humans and wildlife, environmental education and NPC initiatives to assist the development of sustainable economic practices in the region, including the development of markets for native agricultural products and handicrafts made in the area.

Community Conservation looks forward to a continuing relationship with Neotropical Primate Conservation and the communities in Peru who are working together to protect this very rare and critically endangered animal.

Neotropical Primate Conservation (NPC) was founded by Sam and Noga Shanee and Lizzie Cooke in 2007. It began as a non-profit organization and was awarded UK charity status in August 2009. NPC was set up in order to promote the conservation of Neotropical forest habitat and all wildlife through various means. These include: land protection; research; improvement of degraded habitat for wildlife; creation of public awareness; environmental education; and facilitation of the commercialization of sustainable, ecological products on behalf of local people.

At the end of 2007 Neotropical Primate Conservation initiated a program to conserve the yellow tailed woolly monkey. A preliminary survey was conducted and current projects are run in areas where yellow tailed woolly monkeys were found in relatively high numbers. Work is ongoing between the Cordillera de Colan Nature Sanctuary and the Alto Mayo Protected Forest, forming a natural rainforest corridor between these two reserves. NPC projects include efforts to register substantial habitat with the Peruvian Government as conservation reserves.

NPC also works with local communities to create a network of community run conservation reserves for the yellow-tailed woolly monkey. Community projects include scientific census work within the proposed reserves, a reforestation program using native tree species that are beneficial to humans and wildlife, environmental education and NPC initiatives to assist the development of sustainable economic practices in the region, including the development of markets for native agriculture products and handicrafts made in the area.