Callicebus Nigrifrons Research Articles

A new species of Amblyomma (Acari: Ixodidae) associated with monkeys and passerines of the Atlantic rainforest biome, Southeastern Brazil

Recent studies have reported several larvae of an unidentified Amblyomma species on passerine birds in Atlantic rainforest fragments in southeastern Brazil. These larvae yielded a unique 16S rRNA haplotype designated as Amblyomma sp. haplotype Nazaré, which showed nucleotide identity levels of 91% to Amblyomma parkeri Fonseca & Aragão, 1952 and 88% to Amblyomma longirostre (Koch, 1844). Herein, we describe Amblyomma sp. haplotype Nazaré as a new species, Amblyomma romarioi n. sp. Martins, Luz & Labruna, through a formal description of the male and female adult stages. Amblyomma romarioi is morphologically and genetically most closely related to A. parkeri, A. longirostre and Amblyomma geayi Neumann, 1899. Among males, the rectangular basis capituli and rounded coxa I spurs separates A. romarioi from A. parkeri, A. longirostre, and A. geayi, which have basis capituli triangular or slightly hexagonal, and pointed coxa I spurs. Among females, the V-shaped genital aperture and coxa I rounded spurs of A. romarioi contrasts to the U-shaped genital aperture and coxa I pointed spurs in A. parkeri, A. longirostre, and A. geayi. Larvae of A. romarioi have been collected on 24 species of passerines. The few records of nymphs and adults were on the black-fronted titi monkey Callicebus nigrifrons (Spix, 1823). The current distribution of A. romarioi is restricted to the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, southeastern Brazil, in areas with altitude between 363 and 1600 m, within the distribution of C. nigrifrons. We discuss ecological features of Amblyomma romarioi, comparatively to A. parkeri, A. longirostre and A. geayi. The present study increases the Brazilian tick fauna to 74 species.

Should I store, or should I sync? The breeding strategy of two small Neotropical primates under predictable resource availability.

Primates employ many strategies to deal with the costs of reproduction. While income breeders exploit the food available in their environment during lactation, the most costly phase of reproduction, capital breeders tend to store energy for use in the period. We analyzed the relationship between resource availability and lactation in Callicebus coimbrai (n = 2 groups) and Callicebus nigrifrons (n = 2 groups) in four Brazilian Atlantic forest remnants, to assess their breeding strategy. We recorded the occurrence of births and breastfeeding events to assess birth seasonality and lactation period and length while monitoring monthly fruit availability. We recorded 11 births (five for C. coimbrai, and six for C. nigrifrons), all restricted to the end of the lean season and the beginning of the rich season. Lactation coincided with periods of increased fruit availability. We suggest that the breeding pattern of Callicebus coimbrai and C. nigrifrons is compatible with an income-based breeding strategy.

Diversity of ticks in the wildlife screening center of São Paulo city, Brazil

ABSTRACT: The Wildlife Screening Center (CETAS) of the Tietê Ecological Park (PET), situated at the municipality of São Paulo, receives, treats and rehabilitates wild animals that have been dislodged from their natural environment due to different reasons. This study analyzed the ixodid fauna, and the rickettsial infection in these ticks, collected on wild animals received at the PET’s CETAS. During the period from March 2003 to November 2016, 936 ticks were collected from 96 wild animals (16 bird and 18 mammal species) that were sent to CETAS. The following 12 ixodid species were identified: Amblyomma aureolatum, Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma parkeri, Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma varium, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Ixodes loricatus and Rhipicephalus microplus. From 67 tick specimens tested by the Real Time PCR for rickettsiae, none were positive. The present research records for the first time in Brazil the following association between the tick stages and hosts that have never been reported before: Amblyomma sculptum nymphs on Caprimulgus parvulus, Asio clamator, Buteo brachyurus, Coragyps atratus, Amazona aestiva and Aramus guarauna, Amblyomma dubitatum nymphs on Alouatta guariba and Sphiggurus villosus, Amblyomma aureolatum adults on Bradypus variegatus, Amblyomma longirostre larvae and nymphs on A. clamator, and nymphs on Megascops choliba and Pyroderus scutatus, besides Amblyomma parkeri nymphs on Penelope obscura and Callicebus nigrifrons, and adult on Nasua nasua.

REGISTROS DE Callithrix aurita (Primates, Callitrichidae) E SEUS HÍBRIDOS NO PARQUE NACIONAL DO ITATIAIA

The occurrence of the Buffy-tufted-ear Marmoset Callithrix aurita in the Itatiaia National Park (INP) is considered rare. For over 50 years, there were no new records of the species within the PNI. In this study, after three years of surveys in the PNI (432h), no record of this species was obtained. Two other species were observed: Black-horned capuchin Sapajus nigritus (n=10) and Black-fronted Titi Monkey Callicebus nigrifrons (n=12). However, in 2015, when the surveys were already completed, I obtained two occasional records of C. aurita. The first as obtained in May in the surroundings of the PNI. In addition, a hybrid between C. aurita and C. penicillata (alien species) was photographed on a private property inside a forest area. Local residents confirmed the occurrence of the two species (native and hybrid) at the site and also reported rarity of native. The second record of C. aurita was carried out in October inside the PNI, at about 1100m a.s.l. In this occasion, I identified three individuals on an exotic pine tree. These new records of C. aurita, which is an endangered species in Brazil, reveal the importance of the PNI and surrounding areas for the species conservation and the need for specific studies mapping the native populations of C. aurita as well as of alien species. Knowledge about the ecology of alien Callithrix species is crucial to conservation actions for their control or eradication. Educational activities should also be carried out with residents of the surrounding PNI, with the objectives of preventing further releases of alien and participation of local people on control actions.

Time-lags in primate occupancy: a study case using dynamic models

Species response to land-use changes are usually assessed by investigating factors affecting distribution, with a single snapshot in time. However, several processes can lead to a same pattern. Focusing on observed, short-term patterns limits our ability to make inferences about ecological processes and responses to environmental change over time. In this study, we assessed changes in occupancy of two primate species in southeastern Brazil, following a major habitat loss due to implementation of a hydroelectric dam. Occupancy was assessed before dam construction and 11 years after, while explicitly accounting for imperfect detection. We assessed the effect of forest patch size and isolation on occupancy and rates of extinction and colonization, driven by landscape modification. Then we calculated occupancy under metapopulation equilibrium and expected time-lags resulting from non-equilibrium. We compared two primate species inhabiting forest patches, the black penciled marmoset Callithrix penicilatta and the black-fronted titi monkey Callicebus nigrifrons, with markedly different ecological characteristics. Those differences may explain why occupancy dynamics were driven by distinct elements. A fast response to habitat changes was observed only for marmoset, an opportunistic species. However, non-equilibrium states and the possibility of time-lag effects were observed for titi monkey, a species dependent on forest habitat. Our analyses support the need to establish long term monitoring and assess system vital rates over time. A single snapshot in time may lead to erroneous interpretations of a species response to habitat alteration.

Patch size, functional isolation, visibility and matrix permeability influences neotropical primate occurrence within highly fragmented landscapes.

Forest fragmentation and habitat loss are among the major current extinction causes. Remaining fragments are mostly small, isolated and showing poor quality. Being primarily arboreal, Neotropical primates are generally sensitive to fragmentation effects. Furthermore, primates are involved in complex ecological process. Thus, landscape changes that negatively interfere with primate population dynamic affect the structure, composition, and ultimately the viability of the whole community. We evaluated if fragment size, isolation and visibility and matrix permeability are important for explaining the occurrence of three Neotropical primate species. Employing playback, we verified the presence of Callicebus nigrifrons, Callithrix aurita and Sapajus nigritus at 45 forest fragments around the municipality of Alfenas, Brazil. We classified the landscape and evaluated the metrics through predictive models of occurrence. We selected the best models through Akaike Selection Criterion. Aiming at validating our results, we applied the plausible models to another region (20 fragments at the neighboring municipality of Poço Fundo, Brazil). Twelve models were plausible, and three were validated, two for Sapajus nigritus (Area and Area+Visibility) and one for Callicebus nigrifrons (Area+Matrix). Our results reinforce the contribution of fragment size to maintain biodiversity within highly degraded habitats. At the same time, they stress the importance of including novel, biologically relevant metrics in landscape studies, such as visibility and matrix permeability, which can provide invaluable help for similar studies in the future and on conservation practices in the long run.

Vocal behavior of black‐fronted titi monkeys (Callicebus nigrifrons): Acoustic properties and behavioral contexts of loud calls

Loud calls can be heard over long distances due to their high amplitude and low frequency. These calls are commonly used for both within- and between-group communication in many bird and primate species. In the Neotropics, mated pairs of socially monogamous titi monkeys (genus Callicebus) emit conspicuous, coordinated loud calls. These vocalizations appear to play a role in territorial defense, a hypothesis derived from studies of only three of the 31 recognized Callicebus species. Here, we describe the acoustic properties and organization of the loud calls of black-fronted titi monkeys (Callicebus nigrifrons). We compare the behavioral and ecological contexts associated with these vocalizations to investigate their role in within- and between-group communication, resource defense, and mate defense. Black-fronted titi monkeys create loud calls by combining a finite number of syllables to form more complex phrases, which are assembled to compose long sequences of loud calls. Bioacoustic features distinguish the loud calls used in different contexts, involving communication within- and between-groups. We found support for the hypothesis that vocalizations used for between-group communication are cooperative displays used by the mated pair and other group members to regulate access to important food resources, such as fruits. On the other hand, we only found weak support for the mate defense hypothesis.

Densidade, tamanho populacional e conservação de primatas em fragmento de Mata Atlântica no sul do Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil

Este trabalho teve como objetivo estimar a densidade e o tamanho populacional de quatro espécies de primatas [Alouatta clamitans Cabrera, 1940; Callicebus nigrifrons (Spix, 1823); Callithrix aurita (É. Geoffroy, 1812); Cebus nigritus (Goldfuss, 1809)] que ocorrem em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica de aproximadamente 350 ha, localizado no município de Pouso Alegre, estado de Minas Gerais e reunir subsídios para a conservação dessas espécies na região. O levantamento populacional foi realizado através do método de amostragem de distâncias em transecções lineares (Distance Sampling). Os dados foram coletados entre os meses de abril e agosto de 2008 a partir de quatro transecções implantadas na área de estudo. Os cálculos de densidade e tamanho populacional foram realizados empregando-se o programa Distance 5.0. As densidades foram estimadas em 23,83 ± 9,78 ind./km² para Callicebus nigrifrons, 14,76 ± 5,92 ind./km² para Callithrix aurita e 7,71 ± 2,13 ind./km² para Cebus nigritus. O tamanho populacional foi estimado em 83,0 ± 34,0 indivíduos para C. nigrifrons, 52,0 ± 20,8 indivíduos para Callithrix aurita e 27,0 ± 7,4 indivíduos para Cebus nigritus. Com relação ao bugio (A. guariba clamitans), constatou-se que apenas um grupo com seis indivíduos sobrevive na área. Conclui-se que, no caso de continuarem isoladas, essas populações têm poucas chances de sobrevivência no futuro frente aos riscos de eventos estocásticos. A criação de corredores ecológicos conectando a área de estudo aos outros fragmentos em seu entorno e a translocação de indivíduos de outras áreas da Mata Atlântica para esta região poderão constituir alternativas para garantir a viabilidade dessas populações em longo prazo. Para tanto, é necessário que se consolide uma política pública no município de Pouso Alegre voltada à criação, ampliação e gestão de Unidades de Conservação, e ao incentivo para a adoção de práticas produtivas sob critérios de sustentabilidade no entorno dessas áreas de interesse ecológico.

Naturally acquired visceral leishmaniasis in non-human primates in Brazil

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a chronic and often fatal protozoal disease that is endemic in Belo Horizonte (State of Minas Gerais, Brazil). Leishmania sp. is an intracellular obligatory parasite of macrophages that can naturally infect several mammalian species. Non-human primates (NHP) have been used as experimental models for infection with Leishmania of the donovani complex. The present report describes a case of visceral leishmaniasis in a black-fronted titi. Among 41 primates kept in captivity in a zoo in Belo Horizonte (State of Minas Gerais, Brazil), one animal, a black-fronted titi ( Callicebus nigrifrons), was positive for Leishmania chagasi infection by PCR and immunohistochemistry, and developed a fatal disease with clinical signs and lesions compatible with VL. Other 17 NHP, including six black-fronted titis ( C. nigrifrons), one howler monkey ( Alouatta guariba), three golden-bellied capuchins ( Cebus xanthosternos), one golden-headed lion tamarin ( Leontopithecus crysomelas), one black-headed owl monkey ( Aotus nigriceps), two Rio Tapajós sakis ( Pithecia irrorata) and three emperor tamarins ( Saguinus imperator) had blood samples that tested positive for amplification of Leishmania kDNA by PCR, although these NPH had no clinical signs of the disease.

A taxonomic review of the titi monkeys, genus <i>Callicebus</i> Thomas, 1903, with the description of two new species, <i>Callicebus bernhardi</i> and <i>Callicebus stephennashi</i>, from Brazilian Amazonia


 
 
 This paper provides a taxonomic review of the titi monkeys, genus Callicebus, and describes two new species from central Brazilian Amazonia, Callicebus bernhardi and Callicebus stephennashi. Previous revisions include Hershkovitz (1988, 1990), Kobayashi (1995), Kobayashi and Langguth (1999) and Groves (1993, 2001). Here we arrange the titi monkeys, genus Callicebus Thomas, 1903, into five Species Groups or clades, and a total of 28 species. The Callicebus donacophilus Group is represented by the following species: Callicebus modestus Lönnberg, 1939, Callicebus donacophilus (d’Orbigny, 1836), Callicebus pallescens Thomas, 1907 (treated by Hershkovitz as a subspecies of C. donacophilus), Callicebus olallae Lönnberg, 1939, and Callicebus oenanthe Thomas, 1924. The Callicebus moloch Group is represented by the following species: Callicebus cinerascens (Spix, 1823), Callicebus hoffmannsi Thomas, 1908, Callicebus baptista Lönnberg, 1939 (treated by Hershkovitz as a subspecies of C. hoffmannsi), Callicebus brunneus (Wagner, 1842), Callicebus moloch (Hoffmannsegg, 1807), and the new species here described as Callicebus bernhardi. The Callicebus cupreus Group is represented by the following species: Callicebus cupreus (Spix, 1823), Callicebus discolor (I. Geoffroy & Deville, 1848) (treated by Hershkovitz as a subspecies of C. cupreus), Callicebus ornatus (Gray, 1866) (treated by Hershkovitz as a subspecies of Callicebus cupreus), Callicebus caligatus (Wagner, 1842), Callicebus dubius Hershkovitz, 1988, and the new species here described as Callicebus stephennashi. The Callicebus torquatus Group is represented by the following species: Callicebus torquatus (Hoffmannsegg, 1807), Callicebus lugens (Humboldt, 1811) (treated by Hershkovitz as a subspecies of C. torquatus), Callicebus purinus Thomas, 1927 (treated by Hershkovitz as a subspecies of C. torquatus), Callicebus lucifer Thomas, 1914 (treated by Hershkovitz as a subspecies of C. torquatus), Callicebus regulus Thomas, 1927 (treated by Hershkovitz as a subspecies of C. torquatus), and Callicebus medemi Hershkovitz, 1963 (treated by Hershkovitz as a subspecies of C. torquatus). The Callicebus personatus Group is treated separately from the Callicebus moloch Group and is represented by the following species: Callicebus personatus (É. Geoffroy, 1812), Callicebus melanochir (Wied-Neuwied, 1820) (treated by Hershkovitz as a subspecies of C. personatus), Callicebus nigrifrons (Spix, 1823) (treated by Hershkovitz as a subspecies of C. personatus), Callicebus barbarabrownae Hershkovitz, 1990 (treated by Hershkovitz as a subspecies of C. personatus), and Callicebus coimbrai Kobayashi & Langguth, 1999. Callicebus bernhardi was discovered in the Rio Aripuanã basin in 1996 by M. G. M. van Roosmalen, who also discovered Callicebus stephennashi in 2001, while traveling on the Rio Purus. The geographic distributions of all hitherto recognized Callicebus species are updated, and the validity of the river barrier hypothesis for titis and other Amazonian primates is discussed, along with their conservation status.