Diet of Southern Muriquis in Continuous Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Abstract

We systematically collected data on feeding behavior for one group of 33–39 southern muriquis (Brachyteles arachnoides) in Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho (PECB), Sao Paulo State, Brazil (37,432.45 ha of continuous Atlantic Forest), between January and December 1995. We determined food item consumption from instantaneous scans of behavior. Fruits were the most eaten food items in all 12 mo (40–80% of scan in every mo, average = 71.3%). Muriquis ate young leaves more than mature leaves or flowers. Our results are consistent with previous findings at the same and neighboring forest sites that southern muriquis have a consistently frugivorous diet when inhabiting less disturbed habitats, but contrast with previous observations on oppportunistic frugivory in muriqui populations inhabiting fragmented forests. Sustained high levels of frugivory probably result from year-round availability of fruit within large continuous forests.