Due to human activities, the Colombian Andean forests have lost about 85% of their original cover and very few species of primates persist in these fragmented landscapes. In the Western Cordillera, we evaluated the population density of Alouatta seniculus and Cebus capucinus by line transect census methodology, in a pre-montane isolated forest fragment of 559 ha, between 1200 to 1700 m of altitude. This is one of the few localities where the two species coexist naturally and the first study of their abundance in this cordillera. As we expected according to their diet and strategies, howlers had a higher density, 169 indv/km2 and an abundance of ∼943 individuals. By contrast, the capuchins had a lower density, 13.5 ind/km² with a population of ∼76 individuals. Despite contrasting abundance, both species' conservation in this isolated fragment will depend on landscape-level management to decrease isolation and increase habitat availability in the long term.

Although howlers devote a small proportion of their time to socializing, social behaviors play an important role in the survival and reproduction of all individuals. The aim of this work was to analyze the spacing and social interactions among individuals of a group of Alouatta guariba clamitans with known relatedness for almost all individuals. Field data were gathered through 140 h of observation carried out over two years. Social interactions were just 1,4% of all activity. Infant play was the most frequent interaction and usually involved related immature individuals. Grooming was performed mainly by adult females over their offspring. Agonism and mating were rarely observed. The emigration of a juvenile and group fission were also reported. Adult females and its offspring exhibited great proximity. It seems that kinship may have an important role in the social structure of some howler groups.