Tree Species and Morphology of Holes Caused by Black-Tufted Marmosets to Obtain Exudates: Some Implications for the Exudativory.

Abstract

Simple SummaryBlack-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) regularly exploit exudates by gouging the bark from trees with their specialized teeth. Determining preferred tree species to exploit exudates is important for forest management aimed at maintaining urban populations of marmosets. We investigated the trees used by black-tufted marmosets to obtain exudates in urban forest fragments in the Brazilian Cerrado, with a view to better understanding the relationship between marmosets and obtaining exudates. We characterized the tree species, the dendrometry, and the characteristics of the holes made by the marmosets. Based on these data, we proposed a gouging effort index (ChiSI). We found 108 individuals that were exploited by black-tufted marmosets belonged to 16 species of 10 tree families. Eleven new tree species used by black-tufted marmosets for exudates were identified. Exudate exploration was predominantly of medium intensity, with round holes concentrated in the canopy. The species Tapirira guianensis and Croton urucarana were preferred. Therefore, T. guianensis and C. urucarana should be considered the most important tree species for black-tufted marmosets that live in urban forests in the Cerrado.Knowledge of the pattern of exploitation of trees can help us understand the relationship between marmosets and plants, especially in declining forests, such as those in the Brazilian Cerrado. Black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) regularly exploit exudates by gouging the bark of trees with their specialized teeth. Determining preferred tree species to exploit exudates is important for forest management aimed at maintaining an essential food source for urban marmosets. We characterized the tree species, dendrometry, and the characteristics of the holes made by marmosets to obtain exudates. Based on these data, we proposed a gouging effort index (Chiseling Suitability Index for Marmosets, ChiSI). We identified 16 species belonging to 10 families of trees with gouging marks made by marmosets. Eleven new tree species used by black-tufted marmosets for exudates were identified in urban forests in the Cerrado. Exudate exploration was predominantly of medium intensity, with round holes concentrated in the canopy. The species Tapirira guianensis and Croton urucarana were preferred. The ChiSI was characterized by a narrow range for both T. guianensis and C. urucarana. Despite the flexibility of obtaining exudates, the black-tufted marmosets concentrate their exploitation to only a few tree species. The T. guianensis and C. urucarana tree species should be considered the most important species for management plans and the preservation of black-tufted marmosets that live in urban forests in the Cerrado.