Sapajus Flavius Research Articles

A new addition to the toolbox: stone tool use in blonde capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius).

The use of tools played a central role in human culture and evolution. Early studies with apes demonstrated the tool use; however, currently the works have focused on Platyrrhine, particularly capuchin monkeys. Blonde capuchin monkeys, Sapajus flavius, have been observed using sticks to fish for termites in the Atlantic Forest, where this species has been extensively studied. In this study, we presented the first evidence of stone tool use by the blonde capuchin monkeys, as well as the dimensions and weight of these tools. We gathered data from three areas of Caatinga dry forest where we discovered this new tool use among the species. The mean weight of the hammers was 475.7g (± 142 SD). The mean height of the anvils was 48.3cm (± 18.7 SD), while the mean surface area of the anvils was 1.2 m2 (± 0.4 SD). We identified fruits and/ornuts from three plant species-Prunus dulces, Cnidoscolus quercifolius, and Syagrus coronate-near the anvils at the study sites. Additionally, we passively observed six instances of stone tool use by blonde capuchin monkeys. Their use of stones to crack encased foods mirrored behaviors previously reported in Sapajus libidinosus, a species well known for using stone tools to exploit hard nuts. Our findings place blonde capuchin monkeys among the list of primates that utilize stones as tools, highlighting the species' adaptability in exploiting resources within the Caatinga. Long-term studies are essentials to comprehend the use pattern of stone tools (across both general and seasonal perspectives) and the influence of variables, such as fruit hardness, distance to watercourses, and fruit availability on the use of this technology by this primate.

Drawings as a tool to assess the effect of environmental education on children – the case of the Blonde Capuchin Project in Northeast Brazil

Abstract Environmental Education (EE) is key for biodiversity conservation. We aimed to evaluate the effect of an EE activity on students by evaluating their drawings. The EE activity was part of the Blonde Capuchin Project actions, which focuses on the research and conservation of the endangered blonde capuchin monkey, Sapajus flavius. The activity was comprised of four steps and lasted four hours in each school. We analysed 348 drawings made by children from eight schools in rural areas close to forest fragments inhabited by Blonde Capuchins in two municipalities in Northeast Brazil, Igarassu-PE and Mataraca-PB. The children made the drawings during the intervention in each school, specifically in steps 1 and 4 of the activity. We scored the drawings using a rubric to account for the presence of components (biotic and abiotic) and interactions (e.g., human-environment and non-human animal interactions). As an outcome of the EE activity, we found a possible increase in knowledge and awareness through the evaluation of the drawings. Thus, when resources are limited, we encourage the performance of short-term EE activities and the analysis of drawings as a tool to measure their immediate effect.

Multi-locus sequence analysis of ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haematomacacae’ in free-ranging macaques from Thailand suggestive of a closer relationship to hemotropic mycoplasmas in capuchins and potential origin from bats

Although ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haematomacacae’ (formerly known as ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomacaque’) has been reported on extensively in macaques from Thailand, the USA, Japan, and Brazil, its genetic characterization has primarily been restricted to the 16S rRNA sequences with no exploration on multi-locus sequence analysis. The primary goal of this study was to characterize ‘Ca. M. haematomacacae’ among Thai macaques based on multiple genetic markers. Between April 2018 and November 2021, blood samples were taken from 580 free-ranging macaques (560 Macaca fascicularis and 20 Macaca nemestrina) in 15 locations encompassing 10 provinces throughout Thailand. Using the conventional PCR assay targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene, 338 out of 580 macaques (58.27 %) tested hemoplasma-positive. Of these, 40 positive samples were further subjected to DNA sequencing, and all were identified as ‘Ca. M. haematomacacae’. Subsequently, the partial nucleotide sequences of 23S ribosomal RNA (23S rRNA) and RNase P RNA (rnpB) genes of this particular hemoplasma species were amplified through nested PCR assay. The analysis of multi-locus genetic markers revealed that the 23S rRNA and rnpB sequences exhibited higher levels of genetic diversity than the 16S rRNA sequences. Furthermore, the 16S rRNA analyses demonstrated that ‘Ca. M. haematomacacae’ infecting Old World monkeys (Macaca spp.) was most closely related to hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in black-capped capuchins (Sapajus apella) and Marcgrave's capuchins (Sapajus flavius) from Brazil, as well as establishing a common ancestor clade with hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. from the Neotropical bats in Belize and Peru and an Old World bat in Spain. The 23S rRNA analyses likewise evidenced that ‘Ca. M. haematomacacae’ formed a sister clade with hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in Neotropical bats from Belize and Panama. Thus, the present findings, based on multi-locus sequence analysis, suggest a potential origin of ‘Ca. M. haematomacacae’ from Neotropical and Old World bats. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study provided the largest dataset so far of multi-locus genetic sequences of ‘Ca. M. haematomacacae’ isolated from Thai macaques and enhanced the accuracy of phylogenetic analyses, providing insights into their origins among hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. discovered worldwide.

Network Analysis of Hosts and Vectors in the Multiple Transmissions of Flavivirus.

Background: It is well established that infection patterns in nature can be driven by host, vector, and symbiont communities. One of the first stages in understanding how these complex systems have influenced the incidence of vector-borne diseases is to recognize what are the major vertebrate (i.e., hosts) and invertebrate (i.e., vectors) host species that propagate those microbes. Such identification opens the possibility to identify such essential species to develop targeted preventive efforts. Methods: The goal of this study, which relies on a compilation of a global database based on published literature, is to identify relevant host species in the global transmission of mosquito-borne flaviviruses, such as West Nile virus, St. Louis virus, Dengue virus, and Zika virus, which pose a concern to animal and public health. Results: The analysis of the resulting database involving 1174 vertebrate host species and 46 reported vector species allowed us to establish association networks between these species. Three host species (Mus musculus, Sapajus flavius, Sapajus libidinosus, etc.) have a much larger centrality values, suggesting that they play a key role in flavivirus community interactions. Conclusion: The methods used and the species detected as relevant in the network provide new knowledge and consistency that could aid health officials in rethinking prevention and control strategies with a focus on viral communities and their interactions. Other infectious diseases that harm animal and human health could benefit from such network techniques.

Exploration of sugarcane crops by Sapajus flavius inhabiting a fragment of Atlantic Forest in State of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil

Sapajus flavius has a frugivorous-insectivorous diet, but also consumes food items from crops. Thus, we investigated the exploration of sugarcane cropping and processing by a group of Sapajus flavius. It was chosen the ad libitum and All Occurrences Observation Methods for collected data. Access to Sugarcane Plantations, Acquisition of Sugarcane, and Sugarcane Consumption behaviors were the most ones recorded. Surveillance and Back Without Sugarcane behaviors were the least ones recorded. There is an increase of exploration of sugarcane plantations during months with low rainfall, which coincides with the reduction of fruits in the forest fragment. Male and female adults were the ones who most exploit sugarcane plantations. The way individuals access, acquire and consume sugarcane highlights cognitive abilities, promoting the persistence of the species in fragmented areas with crops in the surrounding. The analyzed aspects will help on developing species conservation strategies, such as the implantation of native vegetation corridors to connect forest fragments that are isolated due to the expansion of sugarcane crops.

Installation and monitoring of a canopy bridge connecting Atlantic Forest fragments containing endangered species in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract In 2019, a canopy bridge was built connecting two fragments of the Atlantic Forest separated by the Pacatuba unpaved road within the Pacatuba-Gargaú Corridor. This bridge was built as part of the Brazilian National Action Plan for the Conservation of Northeastern Primates (Plano de Ação Nacional para Conservação dos Primatas do Nordeste – PAN PRINE). The forest fragments contain a variety of mammal species, including the endangered primate species Alouatta belzebul and Sapajus flavius. Between September 2019 and March 2020, we monitored the canopy bridge continuously with a Bushnell camera trap; for a total of 204 days of sampling, resulting in evidence of 113 independent passage events. During the monitoring period, four mammal species used the canopy bridge, the Endangered Sapajus flavius (blond capuchin monkey), Callithrix jacchus (common marmoset), Marmosa demerarae (woolly mouse opossum), and Marmosa murina (murine mouse opossum). The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) used the bridge most frequently, representing 50.44% of the passage events (57), while the blond capuchin monkey (S. flavius) crossed the bridge in 30 events (26.5% of total crossings). All other mammals used the bridge less frequently than the primates (23% of crossings were of opossums). There was no record of crossings by the red-handed howler monkey (Alouatta belzebul) during the monitoring period. The construction of the canopy bridge within the Pacatuba-Gargaú forest corridor promoted structural and functional connectivity of the forest habitats, affecting the movement of the Endangered blond capuchin monkey and the common marmoset and benefiting other arboreal mammal species. The results indicate that monitoring the use of this canopy bridge provided important insights into the behaviour and ecology of the species studied (e.g., activity patterns, social interactions, group sizes, and reproduction, among many others). In addition, the use of the bridge decreases the risks of animal-vehicle collisions and electrocutions. Considering our results, we strongly recommend constructing and implementing canopy bridges as a strategy for the conservation of arboreal species living in fragmented forest areas.

Size and degree of protection of native forest remnants drive the local occupancy of an endangered neotropical primate.

Although the species-area relationship is well known, it may interact with and be augmented or cancelled out by other factors, such as local human disturbance. We used data on site occupancy of the Endangered blonde capuchin monkey (Sapajus flavius) based primarily on a standardized program of local interviews to model the influence of past human disturbance on the occurrence of this species across remaining forest patches of northeastern Brazil within the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes. To do so, we assessed environmental covariates that best represent the history of human impacts. We then used single-species occupancy models to assess site occupancy, while controlling for detection error during sampling. Surprisingly, we obtained a higher occupancy rate in the more arid Caatinga remnants than in the more mesic Atlantic Forest. Habitat patch size, history of site protection, and annual precipitation were the best predictors of local occupancy. Historical human disturbance, including subsistence hunting, has exerted considerable impact on the modern distribution of the blonde capuchin, whose geographic range largely spans a region historically lacking any wildlife protection. Matrix vegetation structure across the Caatinga, which so far has averted large-scale mechanized agriculture, also creates a benign landscape that likely benefits contemporary capuchin occupancy. Local extinctions of this endangered primate will most likely continue unabated unless a ban on hunting in remaining Atlantic Forest and Caatinga fragments can be enforced.

First report of Dipetalonema gracile in a captive Marcgrave’s capuchin monkey (Sapajus flavius) in northeastern Brazil: Scientific communication

Parasitic infections are important concern to the Wildlife Conservation Biology, particularly in endangered species. Herein, we report a parasitism by Dipetalonema gracile Rudolphi, 1809 (Spirurida, Filarioidea, Onchocercidae), in the peritoneal cavity of a captive Marcgrave’s capuchin monkey (Sapajus flavius) that died at the Wild Animal Screening Center (CETAS) of the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) in the municipality of Cabedelo, state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. The necropsy revealed two filarial worms D. gracile in the abdominal cavity. Exudates, thin fibrin layers and fibrous adhesions were also present in the mesentery and spleen capsule. The mesenteric, mandibular, and tracheobronchial lymph nodes were enlarged. Multiple small nodules were seen in the spleen parenchyma. Microscopic examination of the lymph nodes and spleen revealed markedly and diffuse inflammatory reaction, with edema, plasma cells, eosinophils, histiocytes, lymphocytes and rare multinuclear giant cells, with obliteration of the normal histological architecture of the organ. This is the first report of D. gracile parasitism in Marcgrave’s capuchin monkeys, a critically endangered species. Studies of this nature significantly contribute to the knowledge of the parasitic fauna of endangered species, in addition to helping to formulate conservation strategies (in situ and ex situ) and records of new hosts and new areas of occurrence of parasites.

Uses of nonhuman primates by humans in northeastern Brazil.

Humans have used non-human primates (hereafter referred to as primates) as food source, medicine, parts of rituals, pets, and models for various studies worldwide. Here we investigated the extent of the use of primates by humans in three areas in northeastern Brazil, the country's most impoverished region. We carried out our study in three biomes (Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest). The results showed that humans exploited all five primate species occurring in the study sites:Callithrix jacchus,Sapajus flavius,Sapajus libidinosus,Alouatta belzebul, andAlouatta ululata. They used the primates as a food source, as pets and medicines, and for leisure. Despite socioeconomic differences in the study areas, we found similarities in the use of primates. Larger primates were targeted for meat, whereas the small common marmosets were targeted as pets. We found conflicting interactions between humans and bearded capuchins due to crop raiding, but no such conflict was found between humans and blonde capuchins, reflecting the differences in crop type, pattern, and tradition in the sites.A.ululata was used as medicine. We suggest that environmental education actions in the study areas should focus on (i) raising awareness among local people of the ecological importance of primates, (ii) providing alternative activities to hunting whenever possible, and (iii) minimising conflicts.

Trash, tasty and healthy: the red-back agouti (Dasyprocta iacki) feed on leftovers from blonde capuchins (Sapajus flavius)

In primate-non-primate commensalism, food is often the benefit. Here we report commensalism between the Endangered blonde capuchins (Sapajus flavius) and the newly discovered red-back agoutis (Dasyprocta iacki). We conducted the study in an Atlantic forest fragment in Northeast Brazil between September 2017 and August 2018. In three of those months, we observed 15 events of commensalism where the agoutis were feeding on leftover palm fruits from the blonde capuchins. We suspect that the red-back agoutis in the study area could be consuming more palm oil fruits when compared to agoutis inhabiting areas without the blonde capuchins. Comparison of the diet of agouti populations in such areas may help to test such a hypothesis. Also, due to the potential influence of the observer’s presence on the behaviour of the animals, further studies comparing sites through camera trapping may be another effective approach to test the hypothesis. Blonde capuchin food calls and the noises of fruits falling during the feeding bouts may serve as clues to attract the agoutis to consume the leftover palm fruits. Future studies using playback (or sound trapping associated with camera trapping) would be needed to confirm whether red-back agoutis are eavesdropping on blonde capuchins feeding noises to optimise their food and energy intakes.

Anesthesia and Hematological and Electrocardiographic Changes in the Emergency Care of a Hooded Capuchin (Sapajus cay)

Background: The hooded capuchin that occurs in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul belongs to the species Sapajus cay. This robust species of capuchin monkey is characterized by its highly varied diet. Although it is well adapted to the natural environment, the survival of this species has come under increasing threat. In fact, several animals have been rescued and taken into veterinary medical care, where its correct capture and restraint minimize the occurrence of adverse effects to the animal and to veterinary anesthesiologists. This paper reports on the emergency care of a hooded capuchin (S. cay) rescued by the Environmental Police of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and sent to veterinary medical care. Case: An adult female hooded capuchin, weighing 1.6 kg, was subjected to veterinary care to treat trauma probably caused by being run over. The animal exhibited intense prostration, 10% dehydration, pale and slightly jaundiced oral and ocular mucous membranes, impaired consciousness, cachexia, muscle weakness, sarcopenia, a probable fracture in the proximal portion of the left tibia and a laceration and possible fracture of the right metatarsus. The patient was stabilized by subjecting her to fluid therapy with Ringer’s lactate solution supplemented with glucose and vitamins. The animal was anesthetized with an intramuscular injection of 11 mg/kg ketamine and 0.6 mg/kg midazolam, and blood count, serum biochemistry and electrocardiography were performed. Blood tests revealed hypochromic microcytic anemia, liver disease and a slight increase in urea to 56 mg/dL (reference: 14.4-48.9 mg/dL). The electrocardiogram revealed the following: HR: 260 b.p.m; P axis: -115.36º; QRS axis: 50.17º; T duration: 36 ms; R amplitude: 0.68 mV; P amplitude: 0.17 mV; P duration: 44 ms: PR interval: 52 ms; S amplitude: -0.12 mV; T amplitude: 16 ms; ST elevation: -0.05 mV; QT interval: 106 ms; Q amplitude: -0.2 mV; QRS duration: 54 ms. The patient exhibited tachycardia and sinus rhythm. Antibiotic treatment was administered via intravenous (IV) injection with 50 mg/kg ceftriaxone and 25 mg/kg metronidazole, while analgesia was administered subcutaneously (SC) with 2 mg/kg tramadol hydrochloride and 25 mg/kg sodium dipyrone and intramuscularly (IM) with 0.2 mg/kg meloxicam. The patient was stabilized and transferred by the Environmental Police to the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center (CRAS) located in the municipality of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, to continue its treatment, perform complementary tests such as radiography of the fractured limb and clinical and surgical treatment.Discussion: Proper physical restraint is essential to the success and quality of biological samples that are collected. Surgical procedures, simple clinical exams and the collection of biological material may all require the use of anesthetics, and the type most commonly used for the restraint of wild animals are dissociative anesthetics. Ketamine is an neuroleptanalgesic drug widely used in primates, and can be administered separately or in combination with other anesthetics, such as midazolam, to increase chemical restraint and anesthesia and enable handling of the patient. As for hematological changes, female nonhuman primates are known to undergo blood loss during their menstrual cycle, which reduces the parameters of the erythrogram. In the case of this capuchin, the blood count revealed hypochromic microcytic anemia, which may be related to the menstrual cycle of the species. With regard to biochemistry serum levels, liver function showed the greatest change, with altered aspartate aminotransferase - AST (368 U/L) and alanine aminotransferase - ALT enzyme levels (151 U/L), indicating possibly chronic liver damage. On the other hand, research involving Cebus flavius found that adult males had higher ALT levels than juveniles.

First steps towards conservation of the Endangered blonde capuchin monkey Sapajus flavius in the Caatinga dry forest, Brazil

First steps towards conservation of the Endangered blonde capuchin monkey <i>Sapajus flavius</i> in the Caatinga dry forest, Brazil

The behaviours of a female blonde capuchin (Sapajus flavius) towards her dead infant

Abstract Here we describe the behaviour of a female blonde capuchin (Sapajus flavius) towards her dead infant and discuss possible explanations linked to the anecdotal event. We conducted our study in a fragment of Atlantic forest in Northeastern Brazil where we have been monitoring a blonde capuchin population, with over 163 individuals, since 2010. Our observations show that the behaviours of female blonde capuchins towards dead infant include corpse carrying, which may be related to maternal-bond strength and grief management. Two adult males cooperated with the vulnerable female by protecting her during group travelling even though offspring survival was no longer a possibility. The present study complements the current knowledge of thanatology in Neotropical primates.

Habitat suitability for primate conservation in north-east Brazil

AbstractBrazil has a high diversity of primates, but increasing anthropogenic pressures and climate change could influence forest cover in the country and cause future changes in the distribution of primate populations. Here we aim to assess the long-term suitability of habitats for the conservation of three threatened Brazilian primates (Alouatta belzebul, Sapajus flavius and Sapajus libidinosus) through (1) estimating their current and future distributions using species distribution models, (2) evaluating how much of the areas projected to be suitable is represented within protected areas and priority areas for biodiversity conservation, and (3) assessing the extent of remaining forest cover in areas predicted to be suitable for these species. We found that 88% of the suitable areas are outside protected areas and only 24% are located in areas with forest cover. Although not within protected areas, 27% of the climatically suitable areas are considered priority areas for conservation. Future projections, considering a severe climate change scenario, indicate that A. belzebul, S. flavius and S. libidinosus may lose up to 94, 98 and 54% of their suitable range, respectively. The establishment of primate populations and their long-term survival in these areas are at risk. Mitigation actions such as the implementation of new protected areas, forest restoration and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will be essential for the conservation of Brazilian primates.

Wild Blonde Capuchins (Sapajus flavius) Perform Anointing Behaviour Using Toxic Secretions of a Millipede (Spirobolida: Rhinocricidae).

Defensive secretions of millipedes are remarkable for containing toxic quinones known to efficiently repell hematophagous arthropods. Here we show that Endangered blonde capuchin monkeys make use of such secretions. We (i) describe the anointing behavior performed by the monkeys (ii) identify the millipede species used in the process (iii) describe the volatile chemical composition of its secretion. The blonde capuchin monkeys selectively searched for millipedes hidden under the ground. We observed three bouts of anointing behavior, performed by 13 individuals of all age classes (from adults to independent infants), both solitarily (1 event) and socially (10 events). The only millipede species used by the monkeys is an undescribed species of the genus Poecilocricus (Spirobolida, Rhinocricidae). The volatile chemical composition of the secretions was predominantly comprised of a mixture of benzoquinones and hydroquinones. The social nature of the behavior and time of the observations (mosquito season), suggest that social bonding and mosquito avoidance is linked to the anointing behavior of the monkeys.

The nomenclature of the blond capuchin, Cebus flavius (Schreber, 1799) (Mammalia, Primates, Cebidae).

I review the nomenclatural history of the blond capuchin, Cebus flavius (Schreber), a Brazilian monkey species. The name was published in 1799, not 1774 as generally cited, so the species is correctly known as Cebus flavius (Schreber, 1799).

Behavior, Diet, and Habitat Use by Blonde Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus flavius) in a Coastal Area Prone to Flooding: Direct Observations and Camera Trapping

Coastal areas prone to flooding are relatively neglected in primate studies. Eight out of 29 known populations of Critically Endangered Sapajus flavius occur in areas very close to, or containing, mangrove and varzea (i.e., tidal forests) forests, suggesting that these habitats are important for the species. We monitored Sapajus flavius in a mosaic of mangrove forest, estuarine varzea forest, and terra firme forest (i.e., nonfloodable forest) in northeastern Brazil. We carried out the study through direct observations of the animals, tracking their signs and baited camera trapping, between January and December 2016. Direct observations and signs provided 292 records of Sapajus flavius: 61% in terra firme, 36% in varzea, and 3% in mangrove. We recorded 26 food items consumed: 17 plants and 9 animals. Camera trapping provided 396 records of the animals: 21% in terra firme, 73% in varzea, and 6% in mangrove. Concurrent visits to more than one camera trap station suggested fission–fusion behavior in Sapajus flavius. We recorded carried infants throughout 2016, suggesting the absence of reproductive seasonality in the species. Adult females carried infants on 68% of occasions, suggesting that they play a key role in infant care. Sapajus flavius was largely diurnal but showed some crepuscular activity. Agonistic behaviors, although rare, were positively related to the quantity of food available in the baited camera trap stations, while play behaviors were negatively related to food availability. Coastal areas prone to flood are used by Sapajus flavius, especially varzea, and thus they should receive wide attention from researchers and protection from the government to avoid local extinctions of Sapajus flavius and other primates inhabiting such areas in Brazil.

A green racer snake (Philodryas nattereri, Colubridae) killed but not eaten by a blonde capuchin monkey (Sapajus flavius, Cebidae).

We report the killing of a snake (Philodryas nattereri, Colubridae) by a blonde capuchin monkey (Sapajus flavius, Cebidae). This endemic primate species from the northeast of Brazil includes vertebrates such as lizards and marsupials in its diet, but we can find no previously published record of an attack upon or consumption of snakes by this species of platyrhine monkey. During the attack, the group mobbed the snake, with individuals uttering agonistic vocalizations and displaying behaviors such as raising their tails, moving tree branches, piloerecting, and baring their teeth. An adult male monkey seized the snake, bit and twisted its body, thereby killing it; he then dropped the carcass onto tree branches, but did not consume it. This single event suggests that this Cebidae species may be able to distinguish dangerous from harmless snakes, and it also may be an example of a lethally violent reaction to a potential predator or competitor, exemplifying the plasticity and cognitive skills exhibited by genus Sapajus.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Sapajus flavius（Blonde Capuchin）

Sapajus flavius has been listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Sapajus flavius is presented here first, sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS). The Sapajus flavius mitogenome is 16,543 bp long, contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and one control region (D-loop). The complete mitochondrial genome sequence provided here could help in the study of ecological and evolutionary research of Sapajus and conservation genetics of S .flavius.

ABUNDANCE OF TREES USED AS FOOD BY PRIMATES IN FRAGMENTS OF ATLANTIC FOREST

Forest fragmentation favours the propagation of some arboreal primate species that can alter the floristic composition of a community. This process may be associated with the loss of seed dispersants. In this work we propose to identify if the presence of frugivorous primates of medium and large size (Sapajus flavius and Alouatta belzebul) can influence forest diversity and structure. Further, we ask if the size of the fragment affects the availability of resources for these primates. Three fragments were studied in the Atlantic Forest of the State of Paraíba, Brazil, located in the municipalities of Sapé, Mamanguape, Rio Tinto, and Mataraca. In each area 25 plots of 50 x 4 m were delimited, randomly distributed along trails and transects. All trees with chest-high circumferences (CAP) above 12 cm found within the plots were marked with ribbons, and numbered continuously. A total of 114 plant species were documented in the Pacatuba Forest, 79 in the Asplan Forest, and 97 in the “Guaribas” (Sema III) Biological Reserve (REBIO) Forest. According to the Chao and Jacknife estimators, the REBIO Guaribas Forest can present more species than recorded in the present investigation. Species Tapirira guianensis, Protium giganteum and Protium heptaphyllum are the most abundant in the Asplan, Pacatuba and Sema III Forests, respectively. In the REBIO Guaribas Forest, the Shannon diversity index was (H') = 3.75, the Alpha-Fisher index was = 26.57 and the Simpson index (1-D) was = 0.90. Pacatuba was the forest fragment with the highest index of diversity (H') = 375, Alpha-Fischer = 33.74 and Simpson (1-D) = 0.95. Pacatuba and REBIO Guaribas Forsts possess greater Beta diversity. The results suggest that local and historical factors possibly increase Beta diversity, contributing to the increase in resources used as food by primates. Therefore, the presence of primates of medium and large size in the Pacatuba Forest may affect the diversity of resources, contributing to the dispersion of large fruits and seeds. The presence of primates of medium and large size can thus contribute to the preservation of floristic diversity in forest fragments.