Feeding behavior of Geoffroy's marmoset (Callithrix geoffroyi) in an Atlantic forest fragment of South-eastern Brazil.

Abstract

We report on the diet and feeding behaviour of a group of Geoffroy's marmosets (Callithrix geoffroyi) in an Atlantic forest fragment in south-eastern Brazil, studied during the period February 1993 to Januaray 1994. Major food categories were gums (68.6%) fruits (15%), and small animal prey (invertebrates 14.6% and vertebrates 0.8%). Dietary changes were observed between the wet and dry seasons, although they were not statistically significant. Insects and gums were consumed throughout the year but fruits were more prevalent in the diet in the wet season. Plant species exploited for their gums includedInga stipularis, followed byAcacia paniculata, Paulinia carpopodia, andBauhinia angulosa. Chemical analysis of the gum of the four species most used all presented high values for carbohydrates and crude proteins. Fruits of an unidentified species of Myrtaceae (sp. 2) were consumed the most. Animal prey consisted mainly of insects, arachnids, snails, and in three cases, lizards and frogs, with orthopterans being the most prevalent insect prey. This study demonstrates thatC. geoffroyi efficiently exploits resources typically available in secondary and disturbed forest habitat. The main threat to the species is forest destruction, degradation, and fragmentation, but the management of small forest fragments may be an effective corservation strategy.