Ecologia e comportamento de Callitrichidae (Primates) no Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Exotic species are considered the second biggest threat to the environment, representing a risk to native species due to predation, competition, hybridization and disease transmission. Callithrix jacchus and C. penicillata are exotic species widely spread out in the Rio de Janeiro State. For this study, behavioural and ecological data were sampled between September 2008 and August 2009 through the use of focal animal method with instantaneous sampling, following seven mixed groups of Callithrix spp. in the Arboretum of Rio de Janeiro Botanic Garden (JBRJ), Rio de Janeiro. The marmoset density was estimated on 130 individuals per km2. We identified 51 tree species as exudate sources, 39 species as sources of fruits, leaves, flowers and nectar. The marmosets can also eat invertebrates, small vertebrates, and food offered by visitors of JBRJ. The consumption of exudates was concentrated in the dry season, and fruit and insects in the rainy season. The marmosets used most intermediate strata and understory in their daily activities, and areas protected by epiphytes in the canopy of 30 different species of trees as sleeping sites. The marmosets showed interspecific relationships as harmonic, neutral and disharmonious with several species of birds and mammals. The diffusion of exotic tree seeds and the overuse of plant specimens for gummivory of marmosets can affect the integrity of the JBRJ collection. The high density of marmosets and predation of native fauna can affect the integrity of the fauna. Considering the potential and observed damage caused by exotic species Callithrix jacchus and C. penicillata, management measures should be studied and implemented to control their populations.