Symposium Organizers: Paul A. Garber, Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801

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Linda A. Winkler, Department of Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Titusville, Pennsylvania 16354

Due to political instability and civil war, little has been published on the ecology and conservation status of primates in Nicaragua for the past 20 years. Beginning in 1997, with the assistance of the Nicaraguan Government, a biological field station was established on Isla de Ometepe, providing an opportunity for in-depth research of the white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) and mantled howling monkeys (Alouatta palliata) which inhabit the island. This symposium brings together the results of projects recently conducted on diet, demography, locomotor behavior, genetics, parasitology, social interactions, and conservation of howling monkeys on Isla de Ometepe. They are part of an anticipated long-term multidisciplinary field investigation and provide scientific data required to identify how present patterns of land use and deforestation impact on howling monkey demography, reproduction, health, and social behavior. Comparisons with mantled howling monkey populations in other regions will help understand this species' ecological success and adaptability and help to determine future conservation policies.

1. A preliminary study of mantled howling monkey (Alouatta palliata) ecology and conservation on Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua. P.A. Garber, J.D. Pruetz, A. Lavallee, S. LaVallee, University of Illinois, Urbana.

2. Capture, health, and morphological assessment of free-ranging mantled howling monkeys (Alouatta palliata) in Nicaragua. G. Peter, Parke-Davis Research, Ann Arbor, MI, R. Sohn, Wildlife Veterinary Consulting, Salt Lake City, L. Winkler, University of Pittsburgh.

3. Assessing intragroup genetic variation of free ranging mantled howling monkeys on the island of Ometepe, Nicaragua. L. Winkler, X. Zhang, R. Ferrell, University of Pittsburgh.

4. Intestinal parasite infections in two groups of mantled howling monkeys (Alouatta palliata) on the island of Ometepe, Nicaragua. J.A. Kahre, Whitman College, Wall Walla, WA.

5. Positional behavior and prehensile-tail use in Alouatta palliata. M. F. Bezanson, University of Arizona, Tucson.

6. Activity budget, diet, and patterns of resource utilization of the mantled howling monkey (Alouatta palliata) in Ometepe, Nicaragua. C.D. Travers, State University off New York, Stony Brook.

7. Interactions between mantled howling monkeys (Alouatta palliata) and neotropical birds in a fragmented forest habitat on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua. F. Huettmann, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB.

8. Mother and infant interactions and infant and nonmother interactions in mantled howling monkeys, Alouatta palliata, from the La Suerte Biological Field Station, Costa Rica and the Ometepe Biological Field Station, Nicaragua. B.N. Torgrimson, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point.

9. Shifting social dynamics in a group of mantled howling monkeys (A. palliata) on the Island of Ometepe, Nicaragua. S.Z. Goldsmith, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, L. Winkler, University of Pittsburgh, Titusville.

10. Ethnobiology by Mayangna Indians in Bosawas Reserve, Nicaragua: An example of community directed conservation. J.C. Merriam, Idaho State University, Pocatello.

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