Nest stolen: the first observation of nest predation by an invasive exotic marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) in an agricultural mosaic

Abstract

Nest stolen: the first observation of nest predation by an invasive exotic marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) in an agricultural mosaic. Biota Neotrop. 12(2): http://www.biotaneotropica.org.br/v12n2/en/abstract?short-communication+bn01612022012Abstract: Invasive exotic species can negatively impact local biodiversity. We present here a report of a nest predation of an endemic bird species, variable oriole (Icterus pyrrhopterus) by the introduced black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) in an agricultural landscape highly disturbed by human activities. Two nestlings were predated, by adults of the introduced marmoset during two alternate days. Antipredator behavior and vocal mimicry were observed in variable oriole, while copulation was observed in black-tufted marmoset during the predation. The use of mobbing against predators by I. pyrrhopterus was observed and it is described here by the first time. The potential impact of the introduced marmosets to local biodiversity is discussed. Resumo: Espécies exóticas invasoras podem impactar negativamente a biodiversidade de um local. Nós descrevemos aqui um relato de predação a um ninho de uma espécie de ave endêmica, inhapim (Icterus pyrrhopterus) pelo sagüi-de-tufo-preto (Callithrix penicillata), espécie exótica invasora, em uma paisagem agrícola altamente impactada pelas atividades humanas. Dois ninhegos foram predados por adultos de sagüi em dois dias alternados. Durante a predação foram observados comportamento anti-predatório e imitações vocais pelo inhapim, e atividade de cópula do sagüis-de-tufo-preto. Descrevemos também o primeiro relato do uso de mobbing por I. pyrrhopterus contra predadores. O impacto potencial dos sagüis introduzidos na biodiversidade local é discutido. Palavras-chave: espécies invasoras, aves, interação interespecífica, mobbing, predação de ninhos, defesa de ninho. 212 Alexandrino, E.R. et al.

Predation of birds by an endangered primate species, <i>Callicebus coimbrai</i>, in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

“…Marmosets (Callithrix spp.) were observed preying on bird eggs and nestlings of at least 15 species, including T. leucomelas (Mendes Pontes and Soares, 2005;Lyra-Neves et al, 2007;Begoti and Landsemann, 2008;Gomes and Lima-Gomes, 2011;Alexandrino et al, 2012). In addition, capuchins (Sapajus spp.)…”

First record of black-tufted marmoset Callithrix penicillata (É. Geoffroy, 1812) (Primates, Callitrichidae) in Northern Paraná, Brazil

“…In addition to competition between exotic and native species, the introduction of C. penicillata and C. jacchus can result in predation against native fauna (Vale & Prezoto, 2015). They may endanger local populations of birds by using eggs and offspring as a food source (Passos et al, 2006;Galleti et al, 2009;Gomes & Lima-Gomes, 2011;Alexandrino et al, 2012;Almeida et al, 2013), as well as other taxa, such as reptiles First record of Callithrix penicillata in Northern Paraná. and small amphibians (Rangel et al, 2011;Vale & Prezoto, 2015).…”

Bird sensitivity to disturbance as an indicator of forest patch conditions: An issue in environmental assessments

“…Thus, each landscape context likely leads to distinct selective processes, and consequently favors different species (Watson et al, 2005;Nabe-Nielsen et al, 2010). Other factors of human action, such as hunting pressures and introduction of exotic species, may also contribute to bird local sensitivity (e.g., Thiollay, 2005;Alexandrino et al, 2012), although they were not tested yet. Another source of variation could be the lack of standardized ecological criteria chosen in the creation of each of the sensitivity levels in different studies.…”