The Monkey's Man in the Yucatan.

AuthorHardman, Chris

LIKE HIS ANCIENT Maya ancestors, Serapio Canul has a deep respect for the natural world. This respect has motivated him to take on a dangerous role as protector of the black-handed spider monkey in his jungle home on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Standing up to poachers with no legal authority has been dangerous for Canul and his family. He has been threatened, offered bribes, and seen a family member beaten. Not only is Canul caring for the monkeys, he protects the trees from loggers and the nearby Maya ruins from looters.

Nearly a decade ago, word of the man who protected spider moneys spread throughout the peninsula. One of Yucatan's leading conservationists, Joann Andrews had heard about Canul and decided to visit him. "He was so genuine about his desire to protect [the monkey]. I was very impressed," she says. Upon her return to PRONATURA's headquarters in Merida, Andrews found a way to pay Canul a small salary for his conservation efforts.

The staff at PRONATURA quickly realized the potential for making the region, called Punta Laguna, a protected area. Rare birds, including the black-and-white owl, secretive reptiles, such as the American crocodile, and jungle cats, including the ocelot, inhabit this tropical forest. In addition, Punta Laguna supports the largest population of spider monkeys on the peninsula, along with numerous other species of...

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