Save the Mono Titi

Save the Mono Titi

The Red Backed Squirrel Monkey (mono titi) population in Manuel Antonio numbers less than 1200. It is critically endangered. This is one of three sub species. It can be found nowhere else on earth. Whereas the other two subspecies of squirrel monkeys are aggressive the mono titi is unique in its ability to cooperate and lead a peaceful existence.

During our June\July 2001 stay at the Monkey House David and I planted 150 fruit trees on our property to provide food for the mono titis. Barry Biesanz generously donated 30 saplings. For many years he has been researching methods of planting and providing corridors for the mono titis to have uninterrupted access to food sources and to other titi groups in the area to help insure a healthy, viable population. Once deforestation isolates one group from other groups it becomes a pocket population that is physically confined and prevented from breeding with members outside its group. This leads to inbreeding and a weakening of the gene pool.

Plant Your Own Tree
Let us know if you would like to plant a tree for the mono titi while you're here. Of course, you are welcomed to come back and stay at the Monkey House in years to come to personally check on the progress of your fruit tree and the bounty it provides for the mono titi. No on can save an entire species single-handed but each of us can certainly make a difference one tree at a time.

Local Programs
There are several programs in Manuel Antonio to help save the mono titi. Kids Saving the Rainforest manages a gift shop, plants trees, conducts an Environmental and Art Camp, installs rope bridges where deforestation has interrupted the titi's normal travel and foraging patterns, and has raised over $10,000 to buy up forestland to preserve it in its natural state. For more information visit their Web site at www.amazingarts.com. The Save the Mono Titi program is working with the electric company to install insulated electrical lines to help prevent titis from getting electrocuted in the maze of lines transversing parts of their habitat.