Colombia is one of the most important centers of biodiversity in the world due to endemism and species riches and it is considered as one of twelve megadiverse countries (Codington 2001, Hernandez-Camacho et al. 1992). Colombia could be the second in terms of primate diversity in the Neotropics and the fourth in the world with approximately 27 species, 6 which are endemic (Alberico et al., 2000; Cowlishaw & Dunbar, 2000; Rylands et al., 1997).

The primatological research in Colombia has been increased in the last years (Defler, 2003). Since the research has been increased it is important to find ways of communications between researchers in order to share information, resources, methodologies and knowledge in general. The education and communication of information about primates has been identified as a priority in the conservation of Colombian primates (Defler, 2003).

The Aims of the network

The most important goal is the creation of a virtual space that can be reached for researchers all around the world in order to share information about the Colombian primates, their status, ecology, conservation programs, research projects, methodologies and publications. Additionally, this virtual place will connect people that is working in the same areas or species; it will inform general public and researchers about the findings in Colombian Primatology; and finally, this place will be a connection with international agencies and primatological societies and resources that can be useful to develop better research and conservation programs.

References

Alberico M, A. Cadena, J. Hernández-Camacho & Y. Muñoz Saba. 2000. Mamíferos (Synapsida: Theria) de Colombia. Biota Colombiana 1 (1): 43-75.

Codington J. 2001. Estimación de la biodiversidad desde la escala local a la filogenética.  In: Muñoz de Hoyos, P. (Ed.).  Memorial del Primer Congreso Colombiano de Zoología - Año 2000.  ICN-UN. Bogotá, Colombia.

Cowlishaw G. & R. Dumbar. 2000. Primate Conservation Biology. The University of Chicago Press. Chicago and London. Pp. 498.

Defler T.R. 2003. Primates de Colombia. Conservación Internacional, Serie de Guías Tropicales de Campo. Conservación Internacional Colombia. Pp 543.

Hernández- Camacho J., R. Ortiz-Quijano, T. Walschburger & A. Hurtado-Guerra. 1992. Estado de la Biodiversidad en Colombia. In: Halffter G. (Ed). La diversidad Biológica de Iberoamérica. CYTED-D. Programa Iberoamericano de Ciencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo. México

Rylands A.B., R. Mittermeier & E. Rodríguez-Luna. 1997. Conservation of Neotropical Primates: Threatened Species and An Analysis of Primate Diversity by Country and Region. Folia Primatologica: Biology And Conservation of New World Primates: 66(1): 134-160. Special Edition.