Colombia is home to 43 primate species, making it the country with the third highest primate diversity in Latin America, after Brazil and Peru. This figure is particularly significant considering that South America hosts 177 primate species, many of which are endemic and highly threatened—positioning Colombia as a key player in regional conservation efforts.
These charismatic mammals play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health: they disperse seeds, aid in forest regeneration, and act as indicators of environmental balance.
According to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Colombia has 3 primate species classified as Critically Endangered (CR), 5 as Endangered (EN), and 15 as Vulnerable (VU).
Among the most threatened are the Caquetá Titi (Plecturocebus caquetensis), the Cotton-top Tamarin (Saguinus oedipus), and the Brown Spider Monkey (Ateles hybridus), whose populations have drastically declined due to habitat loss and fragmentation, agricultural expansion, and the illegal wildlife trade. This situation calls for urgent action to strengthen conservation and ecosystem restoration strategies in the areas these species inhabit.
At Fundación ProAves, we actively work across our 27 Nature Reserves, protecting strategic habitats for these at-risk species:
These mammals inhabit tropical forests that, thanks to continuous conservation, restoration, and education efforts, remain vital refuges for their survival.
To protect them, we implement actions such as:
Habitat conservation and restoration to ensure safe areas where primates can thrive free from threats.
Environmental education programs with local communities to discourage the keeping of primates as pets and reduce hunting.
Scientific research to better understand their ecology, behavior, and population status.
Our commitment to primate conservation is a pledge to preserve ecosystem balance and ensure a healthy future for the generations to come. We will continue to strengthen our efforts through joint work with local communities, environmental authorities, and strategic allies—promoting a comprehensive conservation model that values and respects the natural wealth of our territories.
Learn more about these charismatic mammals at:
