The document discusses conservation efforts for the San Martin titi monkey in Peru. It describes how Proyecto Mono Tocón works with local associations to establish conservation concessions to protect forest areas where the monkeys live. Their goal is to create a network of concessions to allow for connectivity between forest fragments. The organization is also working on education and outreach programs to promote conservation in the region and support existing small reserves like Pucunucho that provide habitat for the monkeys.

1. Proyecto Mono
Tocón
Local Initiatives for Biodiversity Conservation
April 2012
Content I n February I was again in Peru to experience the developments
of Proyecto Mono Tocón. Our team works hard and has become
very professional.
Where can we protect the
San Martin titi monkey? Besides many meetings and workshops in the office, we spent a week
Conservation Concessions in in the Central Huallaga region. While the rate of deforestation is
Central Huallaga. A future worrying, it was great to meet local associations that are determined to
for the San Martin titi protect the forest around their villages. Their motivation is contagious, and
monkey?
motivated us to support the associations with their activities. By joining
Pucunucho. An educational forces, there is a good chance that the San Martin titi monkey can be saved
tool for the conservation of
from extinction.
the San Martin titi monkey
Jan Vermeer
Second Nature Summer
School Project Director
I would like to join our director to
First Seminar of welcome you to this newsletter. We hope
Conservation Biology
that it will bring you closer to the
Workshop for the validation diverse activities of our association.
of educational materials for
the Indigenous Communities Thank you for supporting our work for
the conservation of Peru’s biodiversity.
Victoria Pérez Tello
President of the association
Where can we protect the San Martin titi monkey?
I n 2007, when the Proyecto Mono Tocón started its work, not much was known
about the San Martin titi monkey (Callicebus oenanthe). The only information that
was available was that it was probably restricted to the Alto Mayo Valley, that there
was some variation in colouration and that the species was probably endangered.
Conservation actions where probably hindered by a lack of knowledge on the distri-
bution and conservation status of the species. A poorly known species simply receives
little international attention.
Our research program showed that the San Martin titi monkey was more widespread
than thought. However, most of the lowland forest that was their habitat had been
converted into agricultural lands.
How could the species be saved from the extinction?
No forest large enough for a viable population was encountered and the few munici-
pal and private conservation areas only had small numbers of titi monkeys.
San Martin titi monkey
(Callicebus oenanthe)

2. Titi monkeys are still relatively easy found in forest frag-
ments, but these fragments always hold only a few iso-
lated groups, and connectivity with other fragments is
difficult due to the strong human presence around the
fragments.
To guide us in our search for conservation possibilities,
we conducted together with Sam Shanee of Neotropical
Primate Conservation a GIS Risk assessment and GAP
habitat analysis.
Data from our research program, satellite images, maps
of mining concessions and production forests were all
combined in a computer program. The result was a good
overview of the alarming situation, but also an indication
where the creation of conservation areas for titi monkeys
theoretically could be possible.
As it was just a theoretical study, a field study is neces-
sary to compare the results of the study with the actual
Low risk Callicebus oenanthe habitat (Shanee et al. 2011)
situation in the field. Fortunately, the French organisation
Thoiry-Peaugres Conservation offered us funding to commence this study.
The study is still going on, but the results are inconclusive. While we found forest and titi monkeys in
some areas, in others most of the forest had disappeared (the satellite images were from 2008/2009) or
was being destroyed at high speed. There is also a zone with good forest cover, but for some reason titi
monkeys seem to be absent. It is too early to make any final conclusions, but this work will help us to Principal financer
determine where the next years our priorities should be. of this project
Conservation Concessions in Central Huallaga. A future for
the San Martin titi monkey?
T he future of the San Martin titi monkey
probably depends on local initiatives for
forest conservation.
The regional government has published an
“Ecological and Economical Zoning Plan”, in
which certain areas are indicated as suitable
for nature conservation, but no direct govern-
mental actions are being taken.
However, private initiatives for the conserva-
tion of these areas often receive support by
the regional government. At a local level, the
inhabitants of San Martin are often conscious
of the importance of nature conservation. They
know how much they depend on the forests
for their supply of drinking water and the rain
on their plantations. Settlement of Bagazán, Pachiza
Page 2 PROYECTO MONO TOCÓN

3. Despite not being owner of the land they live on (most land is government property), they have the possibility to create an
association that can apply for the creation of a “Conservation Concession”.
Proyecto Mono Tocón and Neotropical Primate Conservation support the villages of Ricardo Palma and Bagazán with the
creation of their conservation concessions, together approximately 5.800 hectares.
However, during our visit to both villages in February the people indi-
cated that more villages were probably willing to create concessions
continuous with their reserve, but that these villages also needed help.
Therefore Proyecto Mono Tocón has initiated a new project to promote
nature conservation in the Central Huallaga region, to inform local in-
habitants about the possibilities of the creation of conservation con-
cessions and to support them with the applications and management.
We hope that we can extend the existing conservation concession with
at least another 4.000 hectares. Great for the titi monkeys, red howler
monkeys and all other wildlife that lives there.
We have planned to create a special “Central Huallaga team” for this
work, which will mainly focus on this area. They will receive support
from our research and education departments. We are pleased that the
Amnéville Zoo in France has offered to
finance partially this project for a pe-
riod of three years, and are convinced
that we will find another sponsor for
Shitariyacu creek, Ricardo Palma
the remaining costs.
Principal financer of this project
Pucunucho. An educational tool for the conservation of
the San Martin titi monkey
P ucunucho is a small conservation area in the Mariscal Cáceres province, created and managed by the NGO AMPA
(Amazónicos por la Amazonía).
This small area is an important refuge for several
groups of titi monkeys. It is a special area that can
become a destination for tourists that are inter-
ested in nature conservation, while using the San
Martin titi monkey as a flagship species. The area
is at this moment only 23 hectares; its forest cover
has been restored by the planting of native tree
species.
Recently, AMPA has received support from the
Purchase of Nature small grants program of the
IUCN-NL. The grant makes it possible to buy addi-
tional land, allowing the creation of a biological
corridor between Pucunucho and Cunchuhuillo. Coordination meeting with the neighbours of Pucunucho
Page 3 PROYECTO MONO TOCÓN

4. This latter area has some 500 hectares of primary and secon-
dary forest, but human pressure is very high. Within the pro-
ject, the participation of Proyecto Mono Tocón was consid-
ered for the implementation of educational activities. We
developed a program for the neighbouring population to in-
crease their respect for the natural resources and to develop
more sustainable attitudes. By creating more understanding
for the work in Pucunucho, we hope to ensure support for
the biological corridor for the San Martin titi monkey.
The project will last until Mai and includes the creation of a
Conservation Committee, the establishment of an Education
Workshop with the adult neighbours
Centre and a preliminary evaluation of the potential of
Cunchuhuillo as conservation area.
In January the work commenced with an initial survey among the owners of land around the conservation area and the
planned corridor. The intention is to understand the difficulties that may accompany the project and the conservation of
the area. The initial results show that the efforts to receive local support for the project should be increased to prevent fu-
ture problems. The Conservation Committee has been formalized, and the capacity building has started.
After a workshop about water, the participants had much more
understanding of the water cycle, the causes and consequences of water
contamination and how to protect this valuable natural resource.
The workshop on soil focused on the negative consequences of the burning
of agricultural fields and forest, to break with the local myth that smoke pro-
vokes rain.
The workshop on air also treated the negative
effects of burning waste, forest and fields.
The educational program has been expanded for Entity responsible for this
the children and adolescents of the communities. project
Educational materials developed by the education
department of Proyecto Mono Tocón were used to
capture the interest of the youth and facilitate the
learning process.
To assure a continuing participation to the work- Principal financer of this
project
shops, the methods are adapted to the ages of the
Workshop with children and adolescents
children and are very dynamic.
Second Nature Summer School
During the summer holidays of the schools in Moyobamba, Proyecto Mono Tocón organised from January till March the
second edition of the nature Summer School in the San Francisco Botanical Garden.
An extensive activity program was developed, to bring children and adolescents closer to the nature that surrounds them.
The inscription is free of charge to all children, stimulating the participation of the family-members of the association
managing the Botanical Garden.
Page 4 PROYECTO MONO TOCÓN

5. The summer school is the graduation project of stu-
dents from the local university, coordinated by the
team of Proyecto Mono Tocón.
The enthusiastic and juvenile character of the team re-
sulted in the presence of 39 children of between 6 and
14 years old, who never failed an activity during the 2
months.
During the summer school, the children carried out
many practical and dynamic activities, all connected to
flora, fauna and the importance of the biodiversity con-
servation.
The summer school served for many children as an ini-
tiation in the “world of recycling”, motivating them
through entertaining and pleasant activities to think
Reforestation in the San Francisco Botanical Garden
about the handling and reuse of their waste.
Additionally, the municipality of Moyobamba provided
plants to organise a small reforestation activity.
The final objective of the summer school is the creation of a
Nature Club, first of all for the participants of the program,
but later for all the children of Moyobamba.
The NAUCA (Niños y Adolescentes Unidos para Conservar el
Ambiente / Children and Adolescents United for Environ-
mental Conservation) is a new initiative of the Proyecto
Mono Tocón to involve the youth of Moyobamba in nature
conservation.
Crafts with rolls of toilet paper
A member of our other nature club in Calzada,
JOESUCNA, has attended to many of the summer
school activities, sharing her experiences with the new
members of NAUCA.
Funded by
With the Nature Club we hope to involve the inhabi-
our partners tants of the San Francisco-quarter more in the conser-
vation and rehabilitation of the botanical garden.
The revitalisation of the botanical garden will not only be impor-
tant for nature education, but can also generate a better income
for the neighbours.
Page 5 PROYECTO MONO TOCÓN

6. First Seminar of Conservation Biology
O n the 14th and 15th of March 2012, Proyecto Mono Tocón organised in cooperation with the Ecology Faculty of the
National University of San Martin the first Conservation Biology Seminar. Speakers at the event in Moyobamba were
Dr. Manuel Antonio González González (University of León, Spain), the ecologist Beatriz Blanco Fontao (University of
Oviedo, Spain) and Julio C. Tello Alvarado (Responsible of the Research Department of Proyecto Mono Tocón).
The principal objective of the seminar was to share
knowledge and experiences about conservation, to in-
crease involvement in the conservation programs of the
San Martin Region.
The themes treated were:
√ General topics of Conservation Biology.
√ Practical instruments developed in Europe; cases of the
Wood Grouse (Tetrao urogallus) and the Brown Bear
(Ursus arctos).
√ Adaptation of experiences for Peru.
√ Evaluation of primate species of the San Martin Region.
Beatriz Blanco Fontao during her presentation at the Ecology Faculty
√ Current situation of the San Martin titi monkey
(Callicebus oenanthe).
A large number of students and teachers of the university participated to the seminar, as well as professionals
from public and private entities that work on themes related to nature conservation.
This first seminar organised at the Faculty of Ecology intended to be an interactive platform for many people
involved in nature conservation.
Proyecto Mono Tocón has conventions with the Faculty of Ecology and the National University of San Martin
to assist with the formation of their students and to share the results of studies conducted by the association
Funded by
in San Martin. our partners
Workshop for the validation of educational materials for
the Indigenous Communities
T he local Educational Authorities of the small town of Rioja
(UGEL-Rioja), the Regional Educational Management of San
Martin (DRE-SM) and the association Proyecto Mono Tocón or-
ganised on the 16th of March the workshop Environmental Edu-
cation in the Alto Mayo valley and the process for its application
in the Indigenous Communities.
In the past years the Proyecto Mono Tocón has developed an
Environmental Education Program for schools in the small towns
of Calzada and Yantalo. The association has adapted this curricu-
lum for an educational program in the Indigenous Awajun
Communities of the Alto Mayo Valley.
Validation of the Inspector Chas materials
Page 6 PROYECTO MONO TOCÓN

7. During the workshop, the curriculum was presented to members
of the community and experiences of the past few years were
shared.
The workshop has permitted us to integrate proposals of educa-
tion specialists working with the native communities and to re-
ceive validation for the proposed materials. With the obtained
observations and proposals we can adapt our materials for this
new educational program, which we will execute in the Awajun
schools of the Alto Mayo. The program has started in April, and
will continue until the end of the school year.
Demonstration of the board game Ludo del Aire
Funded by
our partners
Associates in the workshop
Specialists participating in the workshop
Ongoing projects
Evaluation of the conservation status of primates in the Bosque de Protección Alto Mayo. With the sup-
port of Conservation International Peru
Study on the distribution of the San Martin titi monkey (Callicebus oenanthe) on the north of Huaya-
bamba river. With the support of Thoiry Peaugres Conservation
Pucunucho. An educational tool for the conservation of the San Martin titi monkey. With the support of
Amazónicos por la Amazonía
Initiatives for the conservation of the San Martin titi monkey (Callicebus oenanthe) in Eastern San Martin.
With the support of Zoo d’Amnéville, Neotropical Primate Conservation and Le Conservatoire pour la Pro-
tection des Primates
Nature club JOESUCNA, a partner for conservation in Calzada. With the support of Le Conservatoire pour
la Protection des Primates
Environmental Education Program on the Awajun schools of the Alto Mayo. With the support of Le Con-
servatoire pour la Protection des Primates
All projects also receive the support from the dedicated European Zoos, without whom
our work would not be possible
Page 7 PROYECTO MONO TOCÓN

8. Proyecto Mono Tocón would not be possible without our partners.
Thanks for supporting the conservation of Peru’s biodiversity!
Join our group at Facebook
www.facebook.com/monotocon
We are rebuilding our website. In the meanwhile, please
visit us at… www.proyecto-mono-tocon.org
For more information, please contact:
Jan Vermeer
jan.vermeer@telfort.nl
T: (+51) 42 564462
You can find us at...
Proyecto Mono Tocón
Jr. Reyes Guerra, 430
Moyobamba
Perú