The Dominican Republic has no native wild monkey populations, but introduced species have established themselves in some areas. The island of Hispaniola, which the Dominican Republic shares with Haiti, was once home to several native primate species that are now extinct. These introduced populations, primarily originating from the pet trade or escapes, raise ecological concerns due to their impact on local ecosystems.
Historical Presence of Primates
The island of Hispaniola once harbored native primate species, primarily the Hispaniola monkey (Antillothrix bernensis). Fossil evidence indicates Antillothrix bernensis existed on the island for over a million years. This species was a capuchin-sized, tree-dwelling primate that largely consumed fruits and leaves.
Another group of extinct Antillean monkeys, Paralouatta species, inhabited Cuba and potentially other Caribbean islands, suggesting a broader historical presence of primates in the region. The extinction of these native Antillean monkeys, including Antillothrix bernensis, is thought to have occurred around the 16th century. The exact causes are unclear, but their disappearance likely correlates with the arrival of European settlers and associated environmental changes.
Current Non-Native Monkey Populations
Several non-native species have established localized populations in the Dominican Republic. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), originally from Brazil, is an introduced species. These small primates, often characterized by white hair tufts around their ears, are commonly found in areas like Monkeyland near Punta Cana, where they interact with visitors.
Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), native to Africa, have also been introduced to various Caribbean islands, including the Dominican Republic, through the pet trade. These monkeys, identifiable by their black faces and grey bodies, are known to adapt to diverse habitats, including urban and agricultural areas. Other species like rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are also present due to escapes or the pet trade, though their wild populations are less documented. These introduced monkeys are found in localized areas, often linked to sanctuaries or private collections, rather than widespread distribution.
Ecological Considerations
Non-native monkey populations in the Dominican Republic introduce ecological concerns. Introduced species compete with native wildlife for resources. They may also disrupt plant communities through their foraging behaviors, as observed with green monkeys in other Caribbean islands impacting native flora.
Another impact is the transmission of diseases to native animal populations or even humans. While the populations of these non-native monkeys are localized, their presence poses challenges for the local ecosystem. Monitoring and managing these introduced populations is important to mitigate adverse effects on the Dominican Republic’s biodiversity.