Home range of a Geoffroy's marmoset group, Callithrix geoffroyi (Primates, Callitrichidae) in South-eastern Brazil

The home range of one group of the Geoffroy's marmoset (Callithrix geoffroyi) was studied in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in south-eastern Brazil, between February 1993 and January 1994. The total home range was 23.3 ha and the area used in the dry season was significantly larger than that of the wet season. The smallest distance travelled by group was 480 m/day in May and the longest was 1,980 m/day in March, but with no significant differences between seasons. The total home range used for this species agrees with the ecological grouping of the genus Callithrix proposed by Rylands & Faria (1993) and may be associated with the habitat structure, the limit of the fragment and the inexistence of neighbouring groups.     

Feeding habits of Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) in southern Brazil

The present study was carried out from 2001 to 2005, with the objective of analyzing the diet of Leopardus geoffroyi in extreme southern Brazil, through analyses of stomach contents and scats. The importance of each prey type found in the scats (n=66) was determined from the frequency of occurrence and percentage of occurrence. In the stomachs (n=9), the importance of each prey was determined using Pianka's index of relative importance (IRI). The food spectrum of L. geoffroyi included mammals, birds, serpents, amphibians and insects. Mammals were the most abundant items, present in 95.5% of the scats and representing 74.4% of the total prey, reaching an IRI of 13296.3 in the stomachs. The principal prey types found in the stomachs and scats were small rodents (Cavia spp., Oligoryzomys spp., Necromys spp. and Holochilus brasiliensis) and large-sized rodents (Myocastor coypus), of terrestrial, arboreal or semi-aquatic habit. Probably, the high percentage of these prey items in the diet is related to their availability and abundance. The index of niche breadth was low in both the stomach and scat analyses (respectively, B_sta=0.18 and 0.17), demonstrating the high degree of specialization of these cats.     

Exploratory behavior and learning in laboratory marmosets (Callithrix jacchus jacchus): Comparisons between experimental-cage and home-cage activity

In this paper I examine exploratory behavior and learning in two groups of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus jacchus), both living under laboratory conditions. The main aim of my studies was to compare behavior occurring in an experimental testing situation with home-cage behavior, and to assess conditions under which exploration is enhanced. One group of marmosets was tested individually in an experimental room away from a larger animal holding room, and a second group was observed in their own home cages, surrounded by other marmosets. Marmosets in both groups were given the opportunity to learn simple tasks, such as pressing a lever for food or jumping on to a wire grid to open a door and see a neighbouring marmoset, and were provided with sets of novel or familiar objects to encourage play and exploration. In the isolated experimental cage, marmosets which learnt a lever-pressing task showed higher general activity levels than controls; in the home cages the mere addition of novel objects resulted in enhancements in exploratory behavior (measured in terms of contacts with the objects). Although the activities associated with learning tended to decline over time, the novel objects remained a constant interest throughout the experiment. The results have implications for maintaining marmosets in captivity, especially in situations when they are housed separately.     

Diet of Buffy Tufted-Eared Marmosets (Callithrix aurita) in a Forest Fragment in Southeastern Brazil

The feeding ecology of the Atlantic forest marmosets (Callithrix spp.) in southeastern Brazil is poorly known, and few studies have focused on buffy tufted-eared marmosets, Callithrix aurita. We determined the food items and investigated the seasonal variation in the diet of a group of four Callithrix aurita in a 17-ha semideciduous forest fragment in southern Minas Gerais State, Brazil. We recorded daily feeding activities between October 1994 and September 1995 using scan sampling at 5-min intervals. The marmosets devoted feeding time to gums (50.5%), fruits (11%), and animal prey (38.5%) in a total of 499 records. Plant resources comprised 27 species from 16 families. They used Acacia paniculata (Mimosoideae, Leguminosae), the main gum source (82%), year-round. Maclura tinctoria (Moraceae) was the fruit species that they consumed most (22%). The marmosets preyed on caterpillars (33%), katydids (5%), and homopterans (4%). Feeding on fruits varied seasonally and was inversely related to gum feeding. Consumption of animal prey remained constant over the year. The wide and year-round dependence on gum suggests that Acacia may play a critical role in marmoset persistence in forest fragments.     

The fertility of daughters in common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus jacchus) family groups

Observations previously made in the field of inter-group mating raised questions concerning the fertility of daughters in family groups and about possible competition between mothers and daughters. To test whether daughters in captive family groups could become pregnant, daughters from four groups were placed with a strange male for a period of 30 min, twice a week for eight weeks. No changes were observed in the mother/daughter interactions during the time in which the daughters were allowed contact with the strange male. Two of the daughters showed signs of ovulation and the male only copulated with these animals. One daughter became pregnant, but it was aggression with her siblings rather than her mother which necessitated removing her from her family group.     

Bird diversity and abundance in forest fragments and Eucalyptus plantations around an Atlantic forest reserve, Brazil

Little of Brazil's remaining Atlantic forest is protected, so it is important to assess how well the region's wildlife can persist in areas/habitats outside reserves. We studied bird diversity and abundance during 546 point counts in the Sooretama/Linhares reserve, 200 point counts in 31 forest fragments (10–150 h), and 50 point counts in <30-year-old Eucalyptus plantations, within 7 km of the reserve. Only eight bird species were recorded in Eucalyptus, and this impoverishment, as compared to some Eucalyptus plantations elsewhere in Brazil may be a result of intensive clearance of understory vegetation. Species diversity in forest fragments was significantly lower than in the reserve. Twelve, mostly non-forest or edge species, were significantly commoner in the fragments, but nineteen species were frequent in the reserve but rare or absent in forest fragments. These included two Pyrrhura parakeets, a Brotogeris parakeet, a trogon Trogon, a jacamar Galbula, woodpeckers Piculus and Campephilus, Myrmotherula antwrens, and Hemithraupus and Tachyphonus tanagers. Bird species richness at points in forest fragments did not decline with fragment size, distance from the reserve, or forest quality. However, forest in fragments was more heavily degraded than forest within the reserve and poor forest quality may be the cause of declines in some species. Whilst protection of forest within reserves is a priority, management of forest fragments may aid conservation of some threatened species.     

Helicobacter callitrichis sp. nov., a novel Helicobacter species isolated from the feces of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

A slowly growing microaerophilic Helicobacter species was isolated from the feces of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). This bacterium possessed a pair of nonsheathed bipolar flagella, was positive for oxidase, catalase and alkaline phosphatase activities, but was negative for gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase and urease activity and for nitrate reduction. The bacterium was susceptible to nalidixic acid and resistant to cephalotine and did not hydrolyze hippurate. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and whole-cell protein profiles, the isolate represents a new species of the genus Helicobacter, for which the name Helicobacter callitrichis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain of the new species is R-204(T) (GenBank accession number AY192526).     

Predator avoidance behaviour in the buffy-headed marmoset,Callithrix flaviceps

The predator avoidance behaviour of a free-ranging group of buffy-headed marmosets,Callithrix flaviceps, was recorded in detail during the course of a long-term study of behavioural ecology at the Fazenda Montes Claros, southeastern Brazil. Four distinct patterns of predator avoidance behaviour, each with specific vocalisations, were recognised and are described here. The selection and use of sleeping sites by the study group are also described. An analysis of the records indicates that these small monkeys are generally most vulnerable to predation by aerial raptors. Variations in the frequency of alarm calls also indicate that the marmosets tend to be more vigilant at higher levels in the forest and when the leaf cover is less extensive. The implications of group size and social structure for both the evolution and the efficacy of the anti-predator behaviour of marmosets are also discussed.     

Alloparental behavior in a captive group of spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) at the Auckland zoo

I studied alloparental behavior in a captive group of spider monkeys at the Auckland Zoo using seven infants as focal subjects and assessed the effects of age, sex, and reproductive status of alloparents on patterns of infant-other interaction. Adult males initiated interactions with infants most often, followed by adult females. Immature individuals interacted with infants infrequently. Infants themselves initiated contact with adult males more often than with other members of the group. Alloparental behavior in spider monkeys differs from that in most other species in that the infant is an active rather than a passive participant in alloparental interactions. I discuss the patterns of infant-other interaction in relation to the social structure and dispersal patterns of Ateles.     

Intercellular communication between cultured granulosa cells of the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Summary The influence of follicle-stimulating hormone, forskolin, insulin-like growth factor type I, epidermal growth factor, and 12-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate on marmoset granulosa cell communication via gap junctions was investigated by morphological means and microinjection of carboxyfluorescein. Gap junctions between neighbouring granulosa cells were present in all groups. The number, but not length, of gap junctions between marmoset granulosa cells increased when the cells had been treated with follicle-stimulating hormone, insulin-like growth factor type I, and follicle-stimulating hormone plus insulin-like growth factor type I. No effect on gap junctions was seen, after exposure of the cells to the other three substances. Carboxyfluorescein and counting of the surrounding labelled cells showed that supplementation with follicle-stimulating hormone, forskolin, insulin-like growth factor type I and epidermal growth factor from the beginning of cultivation led to an increase in stained cells after 48 h. When treatment was started in 48 h cultures the substances reached their maximal activity within 30 min (forskolin and epidermal growth factor) or 3 h (follicle-stimulating hormone and insulin-like growth factor type I). Spreading of the fluorescen dye was inhibited when the medium was supplemented with 12-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate. This effect was maximal after 30 min. Additive effects regarding the coupling of the cells were seen by combining of epidermal growth factor with follicle-stimulating hormone, but not with insulin-like growth factor type I or forskolin plus follicle-stimulating hormone.     

Slow death of Atlantic forest trees in cocoa agroforestry in southeastern Brazil

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) is cultivated in the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo in eastern Brazil under the so-called cabruca system, where the understorey of native Atlantic forest is cleared and the canopy is thinned out to provide adequate shading for the cocoa trees. Apart from its economic and social role, the cabruca system is said to be important for the conservation of Atlantic forest biodiversity. In this paper we studied tree species richness and forest structure of cabrucas to examine the demographic health of these forests and discuss their long-term survival. Data were collected in 20 farms located alongside a 30km track of the northern margin of the Rio Doce, in northern Espírito Santo. All trees 5cm DBH were identified and their diameter was measured in 80 plots (600m²), totalling 4.8ha of sampled area. Recorded trees were also allocated to four different regeneration phases (pioneers, early secondary, late secondary and climax). The inventory resulted in 507 trees belonging to 105 species in 39 families. This species richness is much lower than in less disturbed forests located in the region. Pioneers and early secondary species dominate the cabruca forest in terms of number of species (56.2%), density (71.0%) and basal area (72.3%). The distribution of diameter frequency showed an imbalance in tree regeneration. Most trees in the range of 5–30cm DBH were pioneers (40.7%), or early secondary species (32.6%), while late secondary and climax trees were less frequent (10.2 and 16.5% of the sampled trees, respectively). The dominance of species of early regeneration phases was also observed for trees >30cm DBH (69.0% of pioneers or early secondary and 31.0% of late secondary or climax species). The results indicated that the cabruca forests are not only less diverse and less dense than secondary or primary forests of the region, but also, and more importantly, their natural succession and gap dynamics are being severely impaired. As a consequence, cabrucas present a structure where tree species of late successional phases are becoming increasingly rare while pioneers and early secondary species are becoming dominant. If current management practices of thinning and clearing of native trees are not improved, the long-term survival of these forests is questionable and their role in maintaining biodiversity in the long run is limited.     

Grooming behavior of spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) on barro colorado Island,Panama

Quantitative grooming data are presented for free-ranging black-handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) on Barro Colorado Island, Republic of Panama. A total of 126 grooming sessions was recorded, with an average session length of 2.0 min (range, 0.1 to 10.0 min). Grooming was an infrequent behavior; on average, individuals allocated only 2.5% of their daily activity to grooming. Two daily peaks of grooming activity were observed, one near midday and another in the late aftermoon between 1600 and 1700. Adult females groomed most frequently, followed by males and then juveniles. Juveniles were the most frequent recipients of grooming, followed by females and then males. Individual preferences were observed primarily between mother-offspring, male-male, and juvenile-male grooming partners in this male-bonded fission-fusion, species. Grooming interactions reflect many of the social characteristics of spider monkey societies: intraclass grouping preferences, long period of juvenile dependence, male philopatry, and female dispersal.     

Distyly and sequential pollinators of Psychotria nuda (Rubiaceae) in the Atlantic rain forest, Brazil

Reciprocal herkogamy is known to promote intermorph-pollination in distylous species, which are generally self- and intramorph-incompatible. Legitimate crossing rates are also influenced by pollinator foraging strategy, which determines most of the pollen flow in natural populations. This study reports on the floral morphology, compatibility relations and pollination biology of Psychotria nuda (Cham. and Schltdl.) Wawra in the Atlantic rain forest, southeastern Brazil, based on floral measurements, hand-pollination experiments and focal observation of floral visitors. It was found that P. nuda does not present an exactly reciprocal herkogamy, however, this morphological trait in P. nuda is as good as in most of Rubiaceae. Reproductive experiments showed compatibility relations similar to those frequently observed in distylous species. The hummingbirds Ramphodon naevius and females of Thalurania glaucopis were the main pollinators of P. nuda, presenting the traplining foraging strategy, which seems to maximize intermorph crosses in P. nuda flowers. These hummingbirds pollinated P. nuda flowers sequentially throughout the flowering period.     

Ecological aspects of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in an Atlantic forest area on the north coast of Rio Grande do Sul State,Brazil

Mosquito diversity was determined in an area located on the southern limit of the Atlantic Forest on the north coast of Rio Grande of Sul State. Our major objective was to verify the composition, diversity, and temporal distribution of the mosquito fauna, and the influence of temperature and rainfall. Samplings were performed monthly between December, 2006 and December, 2008, in three biotopes: forest, urban area, and transition area, using CDC light traps and a Nasci vacuum. A total of 2,376 specimens was collected, from which 1,766 (74.32%) were identified as 55 different species belonging to ten genera. Culex lygrus, Aedes serratus, and Aedes nubilus were dominant (eudominant) and constant throughout samplings. The forest environment presented the highest species dominance (D_S=0.20), while the transition area showed the highest values of diversity (H'=2.55) and evenness (J'=0.85). These two environments were the most similar, according to the Morisita‐Horn Index (I_M‐H=0.35). Bootstrap estimates showed that 87.3% of the species occurring in the region were detected. The seasonal pattern showed a greater abundance of mosquitoes between May and October, indicating the period to intensify entomological surveillance in that area.     

Chromosome polymorphism in Ateles geoffroyi (Cebidae; Primates; Mammalia)

Summary The karyotype of Ateles geoffroyi (Cebidae; Primates; Mammalia) was studied using G- and C-banding techniques, and standardized idiograms are proposed. A polymorphism of chromosome 3 due to a pericentric inversion has been identified for the first time. Genetic analysis of this polymorphism showed Mendelian inheritance.     

Interactions between parents and infants,and infants-father separation in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

The New World monkey,Callithrix jacchus, diversely from most Old World primates, shares infant care among all family members. This paper intends to describe a pattern of infant care in the common marmoset, and to verify if the infant-father separation induces a depression reaction, such as found in other separation studies. In Experiment 1, 11 families (mother, father, and twin newborn infants) ofCallithrix jacchus were observed from 1st to 36th days of infants' life. It was noted that infants were carried most of the time in the beginning of life, and that from the 4th day on this care came mostly from the father. In Experiment 2, nine families were divided in three separation groups (15, 30, and 45 days of infants' life). Each group had a control and two experimental families. Removal of the father was done for three days, beginning at the indicated infants' ages. Results showed that upon removal of the father, the mother assumes the infants' care, and no depression reaction appeared.     

Ecology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Callithrix kuhlii</Emphasis> and a Review of Eastern Brazilian Marmosets

We provide data on wild Callithrix kuhlii, a little studied species. We describe their ecology, focusing on demography, diet, and ranging patterns in 8 groups studied from 1995 to 1999. The groups averaged 4.3 individuals, with 1 breeding female and 1–2 adult males, and reproduction was seasonal. Evidence from nonstudy groups indicated the possibility of polygynous group structure. We observed group formation and the transfer of adults between groups. The marmosets ate 20 species of fruit and nectar and 5 exudate species. Home ranges were 34–39 ha, and daily path lengths averaged 1498 m. We include our data in a comprehensive review of eastern Brazilian marmosets to characterize their ecology. Callithrix kuhlii ate more fruit species and less gum species, and had larger home ranges and daily path lengths versus those of most congeners. There was also a tradeoff between travel time and other behaviors. Species with smaller home ranges spent more time foraging and resting and less time traveling than the ones with larger ranges. Attributes consistent with all species included their reliance on gum during fruit scarcity and preference for disturbed habitat. We explored factors relating to the variation in diet and ranging patterns within the eastern Brazilian marmosets, in particular by considering the species in relation to elevation and the extent and proximity of their distribution to the sea. However, large intraspecific variation resulting in part from variable levels of anthropogenic disturbance across sites confounded our ability to verify trends corresponding to the geographic characteristics.