Morro de Calzada is part of the San Martin region’s conservation system and is one of the areas with the highest population of the San Martin Titi Monkey. The Ikam Expeditions Reserve, located in the area, is an ideal spot for watching and photographing them.
San Martin Titi Monkey
The San Martin Titi Monkey is endemic to Peru and specifically the San Martin region, standing as one of the most threatened primates both nationally and globally. Its population has decreased by 80% over the past 25 years, primarily driven by land-use conversion for agriculture and cattle ranching. Its range spans the tropical forests of the San Martin region—between 750 and 1,300 masl across Alto Mayo, Bajo Mayo, and Central Huallaga—where its habitat has suffered severe fragmentation due to the aforementioned activities (Serfor, 2020; Proyecto Mono Tocón, n.d.).
Physically, the species is distinguished by a ring of whitish hair framing its face. Furthermore, they are monogamous and reside in small family units (Proyecto Mono Tocón, n.d.).
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Ikam Expeditions Reserve
The Ikam Expeditions Reserve, formerly known as the Morro de Calzada Amazon Center, is an ecotourism and conservation project. It is located adjacent to the Morro de Calzada Ecosystem Conservation and Recovery Zone (ZoCRE). The reserve offers bird, monkey, and wildlife watching services, while also carrying out efforts to restore the ecosystem.
It is located approximately 20 minutes from Moyobamba and 2 hours and 30 minutes from Tarapoto.
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San Martin Titi Monkey in Ikam Expeditions Reserve
Two groups of Titi Monkeys have been identified near the reserve, with a total of up to 10 individuals recorded, including adults and young. The species is monitored daily in the mornings and afternoons, boasting a high sighting rate (90%) among our visitors.
It is worth noting that we have developed a real-time tracking system for our monitoring efforts, which features the San Martin Titi Monkey as a target species for conservation and can be viewed here.
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So, if you are visiting Tarapoto or Moyobamba and want to spot this emblematic species—unique to Peru and the world—contact us to organize your visit.
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Bibliography
- Proyecto Mono Tocón, s.f. https://www.monotocon.org/monotocon.php?id_monotocon=1
- Servicio Nacional Forestal y de Fauna Silvestre – SERFOR. https://sinia.minam.gob.pe/sites/default/files/siar-puno/archivos/public/docs/plan_nacional_de_conservacion_de_primates_amenazados_en_el_peru.pdf.pdf
