Consequences of Habitat Loss and Fragmentation for Primate Behavioral Ecology

Primates are a particularly sensitive order to the negative effects of habitat loss and fragmentation due to their unique life histories and habitat requirements. Given that nearly all primate populations are in some way affected by habitat loss and fragmentation, it is important for all primatologists – even those uninterested in these processes directly – to consider the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on the behavior and conservation of their study species. In this chapter, we review some of the current knowledge of the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on primate behavior. We begin by defining key terms and discussing issues of scale. We then review some of the major literature regarding primary and secondary effects of fragmentation, highlighting its potential impact on home range, social interactions, and group composition. Finally, we note that primate responses to habitat fragmentation are species- and sometimes even site-specific and recommend a holistic approach for future research concerning habitat loss and fragmentation.