Report on the presence of a group of golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas), an endangered primate species in a rubber plantation in southern Bahia, Brazil.

Kristel M De Vleeschouwer,Leonardo C Oliveira

doi:10.5194/pb-4-61-2017

Abstract

In a landscape fragmented by agriculture, the extent to which forest-dwelling primates can use the matrix between fragments can be critical for their long-term survival. So far, the golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas), an endangered primate inhabiting the Atlantic Forest of south Bahia, is only known to use shaded cacao (Theobroma cacao) agroforests within the matrix. We report on the use of a rubber plantation by a group of golden-headed lion tamarins between August 2013 and January 2014. The group used the rubber plantation on 16 of the 22 observation days (73 %), and we recorded behaviours such as eating, grooming and sleeping, consistent with the use of the area as a home range. We also observed associations with Wied's marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii). The locations of group sightings were not uniformly spread across the entire area of the rubber plantation, suggesting preferred use of certain areas. The presence of resources such as jackfruits (Artocarpus heterophyllus) and epiphytic bromeliads may be attracting both species to these plantations. In addition to shaded cacao plantations, rubber plantations with the appropriate structure may be a viable option for increasing forest connectivity for both species in south Bahia, reconciling economic rubber production with primate conservation.

Highlights

The conversion of forests for agriculture is a major cause of tropical forest fragmentation and degradation (Gibbs et al, 2010)
We report on the presence of a group of golden-headed lion tamarins in a rubber plantation on a farm in south Bahia, constituting the first systematic observation of the species using this form of land use within the matrix; and we provide preliminary information on the group’s behaviour and use of space in a fragmented landscape dominated by agricultural land use
We observed the group of golden-headed lion tamarins using both this northern edge of the rubber plantation, where the palm tree sleeping site is located, and the area along a central line running north to south through the rubber plantation

Summary

Introduction

The conversion of forests for agriculture is a major cause of tropical forest fragmentation and degradation (Gibbs et al, 2010). The resulting landscape of smaller forest fragments embedded within a generally inhospitable matrix represents particular challenges to animals, especially rendering matrixintolerant species more vulnerable to extinction (Benchimol and Peres, 2014). Forest-dwelling primates are sensitive to the effects of anthropogenic forest fragmentation, with many species experiencing population decline or extinction (Benchimol and Peres, 2014). Loss of habitat due to agricultural expansion is the principal threat to primate populations worldwide, with livestock farming and ranching constituting the second most important threat in the Neotropics (Estrada et al, 2017). High human population growth and poverty rates in primate-range countries, as well as global market economics, increase the likelihood of continued land-cover

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