Predation on artificial nests by marmosets of the genus Callithrix (Primates, Platyrrhini) in a Cerrado fragment in Southeastern Brazil

Abstract

ResumoPredação de ninhos artificiais por saguis do gênero Callithrix (Primates, Platyrrhini) em um fragmento de Cerrado no Sudeste do Brasil. Embora as causas de declínio em populações de aves em fragmentos florestais não sejam bem conhecidas, a predação de ninhos parece desempenhar um papel importante nesses eventos. Um modo de estimar a importância relativa da predação na reprodução de aves nativas é a utilização de ninhos artificiais. São apresentadas aqui altas taxas de predação de ninhos artificiais por duas espécies de saguis do gênero Callithrix, C. pennicillata e C. jacchus, e seus híbridos, em um fragmento de Cerrado no estado de São Paulo. Por meio de ninhos artificiais e ovos de codorna preenchidos com parafina, foi possível identificar os saguis como predadores pelo padrão de mordedura deixada na parafina. Os resultados sugerem uma possível ocorrência de predação sobre ninhos naturais. Trabalhos futuros envolvendo o monitoramento de ninhos naturais poderão confirmar o papel dos saguis no declínio de populações de aves na área de estudo. Palavras-chave: Ovos artificiais; Sagui-de-tufo-branco; Sagui-de-tufo-preto; Taxa de predação AbstractAlthough the causes of decline in bird populations in forest fragments are not well known, nest predation seems to play a major role in these events. A way to estimate the relative importance of predation for the reproduction of native birds is the use of artificial nests. Here, there is a report on the high rates of predation on artificial nests by two marmoset species from the genus Callithrix, C. pennicillata and C. jacchus, as well as their hybrid derivatives, in a Cerrado fragment in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. By means of artificial nests and quail eggs filled with paraffin, it was possible to identify the marmosets as predators through the bite pattern left on the paraffin. The results suggest a possible occurrence of predation on natural nests. Further studies involving the monitoring of natural nests will be able to confirm the role of marmosets in the decline of bird populations in the study area.

Reporting social behaviours of mixed-species troops formed by Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata (Primate, Callitrichidae)

“…Almeida et al (2013) found high levels of predation on artificial nests by these marmosets and their hybrid derivates, suggesting that it may also occur in natural nests.…”

“…Both species are invading and possibly replacing other species in many regions of eastern Brazil, such as in the states of Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro (Rylands et al, 2009), reaching the southern by a the state of Santa Catarina (Santos et al, 2005). In addition, inside the new habitats where they previously not occurred, these species may act as invaders, with potential damage to the preexisting biota, such as by predation of bird´s eggs (Alexandrino et al, 2012;Almeida et al, 2013).…”

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).…”