NCM 2022: Whole-genome sequencing of the Ecuadorian brown-headed spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps), a critically endangered species

The Ecuadorian brown-headed spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps) is a primate that inhabits tropical forests in Northwestern Ecuador. Deforestation has led to the habitat of this subspecies being greatly reduced, and the IUCN Red List classifies it as a critically endangered species. Stronger conservation efforts are needed to avoid its extinction, which should include genome studies. However, a genomic approach requires a reference genome, which is why the main objective of this research is to sequence and assemble the genome of Ateles fusciceps fusciceps. To do so, DNA was extracted from the blood of one male individual. Libraries were prepared using the Oxford Nanopore SQK-LSK112 kit and protocol and sequenced on a MinION Mk1C device using six flow cells. Reads were filtered, assembled, mapped, and polished. Preliminary results indicate that a good quality genome assembly can be obtained, which would be an important resource for future studies that will aid the conservation of this critically endangered species.