Distribución histórica del mono aullador negro y dorado al sur de la Mesopotamia Argentina: implicancias para su conservación

The black-and-gold howler monkey, Alouatta caraya, is an arboreal primate that inhabits the northeastern region of Argentina, from the provinces of Formosa and Misiones to northeastern Santa Fe and central Corrientes. This distribution has not changed dramatically from its historical distribution. However, it has been proposed that the species inhabited the northwestern region of Entre Ríos. The aim of this paper was to analyze paleontological and archaeological studies carried out in that province, focusing on those from the northern and western regions, in order to provide accurate information on the historical distribution of A. caraya at its southernmost limit, which can be taken into account in conservation plans for the species. The literature review revealed only a brief mention of non-human primates in the region, either as representations of zoomorphic ceramic appendages associated with the Goya-Malabrigo archaeological entity, or as part of the vocabulary of indigenous peoples who inhabited the region. However, there are no records of monkey bone remains, of any species, from paleontological or archaeological sites in Entre Ríos. Likewise, there is no evidence of their use as food source or for other purposes by the indigenous people who inhabited the province. Knowing both the historical and recent distribution of species is a key factor that must be considered in the design of conservation plans, especially those involving animal release or reintroduction programs.