Abstract
Marmosets of the genus Callithrix are specialized in the consumption of tree exudates to obtain essential nutritional resource by boring holes into bark with teeth. However, marmoset preferences for particular tree species, location, type, and other suitable factors that aid in exudate acquisition need further research. In the current study, the intensity of exudate use from Anadenanthera peregrina var. peregrina trees by hybrid marmosets Callithrix spp. groups was studied in five forest fragments in Viçosa, in the state of Minas, Brazil. Thirty-nine A. peregrina var. peregrina trees were examined and 8,765 active and non-active holes were analyzed. The trunk of A. peregrina var. peregrina had a lower number of holes than the canopy: 11% were found on the trunk and 89% were found on the canopy. The upper canopy was the preferred area by Callithrix spp. for obtaining exudates. The intensity of tree exploitation by marmosets showed a moderate-to-weak correlation with diameter at breast height (DBH) and total tree height. The overall results indicate that Anadenanthera peregrina var. peregrina provides food resources for hybrid marmosets (Callithrix spp.) and these animals prefer to explore this resource on the apical parts of the plant, where the thickness, location, and age of the branches are the main features involved in the acquisition of exudates.
Highlights
Vegetable exudates, such as saps and gums, are constitutive or induced compounds, which are essential components of the diet of many primates [1]
A separate analysis of active gouge holes showed the same type of variation in the three regions of the tree canopy (Figure 3), showed that there was a significant difference in means of tree holes present in the three different portions of the canopy in the upper. (ANOVA, df = 2, F = 53.45, p,0.001)
Anadenanthera peregrina var. peregrina are among the 80 species identified as sources of exudates exploited by Callithrix spp
Summary
Vegetable exudates, such as saps and gums, are constitutive or induced compounds, which are essential components of the diet of many primates [1]. 1812 (Lorisidae) [2,4,5] These genera are obligatory consumers of plant exudates [1,3]; they have evolved anatomical adaptations of their teeth and of the bones and muscles in their skull to perforate plant branches to stimulate the release of exudates [6,7].
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