The Ministry of the Environment, alongside the College of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of San Francisco in Quito, is conducting an investigation in order to monitor the presence of various primate species on the coast of Ecuador. This research aims to identify and evaluate current primate populations and the vulnerabilities that they face. To achieve this goal, permanent observations of both howler (Alouatta palliata aequatorialis) and capuchin monkeys (Cebus aequatorialis) will be conducted by monitoring various zones.

This investigation will take place in the Pacoche private reserve (The Greenearth Foundation), located in the Pacoche Marine Wildlife Refuge, and protected by the Ministry of the Environment. Within the reserve, a group of 10 individuals has been identified, in addition to approximately 10 primate groups ranging from 8 to 10 individuals calculated to inhabit surrounding areas. This research will consist of studies regarding spatial distribution, group composition, primate behaviour, visual evaluations, among other themes.

Stella de la Torre, Dean of the College of Biological and Environmental Sciences and principal investigator of this initiative, alongside students from the University of San Francisco in Quito, will carry out this study in collaboration with the surrounding communities of Puyango, Lalo Loor and Pacoche.

These initiatives will contribute to the advancement of research and action plans to promote the sustainable development of the area and its communities.