Kari Brossard Stoos, PhD, presented collaborative research on "Primates and Health" at the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Toxicas (IRET). This interdisciplinary research project includes coinvestigators Lisa Corewyn, PhD (Anthropology), and Mary Kelaita, PhD (St. Philip's College).
Recent reports suggest populations of mantled howler monkeys are in decline in Costa Rica. Factors contributing to decline may include climate change, resource failure, disease, an/or chemical exposure. This presentation focused on mantled howler monkeys as sentinel species, thus their health warns of broader implications in environmental health. By identifying and addressing howler health threats, we hope to conserve the species while also gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between wildlife health and public health.