Vegetable Exudates as Food for Callithrix spp. (Callitrichidae): Exploratory Patterns

Abstract

Marmosets of the genus Callithrix are specialized in the consumption of tree exudates to obtain essential nutritional resource by boring holes into bark with teeth. However, marmoset preferences for particular tree species, location, type, and other suitable factors that aid in exudate acquisition need further research. In the current study, the intensity of exudate use from Anadenanthera peregrina var. peregrina trees by hybrid marmosets Callithrix spp. groups was studied in five forest fragments in Viçosa, in the state of Minas, Brazil. Thirty-nine A. peregrina var. peregrina trees were examined and 8,765 active and non-active holes were analyzed. The trunk of A. peregrina var. peregrina had a lower number of holes than the canopy: 11% were found on the trunk and 89% were found on the canopy. The upper canopy was the preferred area by Callithrix spp. for obtaining exudates. The intensity of tree exploitation by marmosets showed a moderate-to-weak correlation with diameter at breast height (DBH) and total tree height. The overall results indicate that Anadenanthera peregrina var. peregrina provides food resources for hybrid marmosets (Callithrix spp.) and these animals prefer to explore this resource on the apical parts of the plant, where the thickness, location, and age of the branches are the main features involved in the acquisition of exudates.

The common marmoset: An overview of its natural history, ecology and behavior

“…2). Exudates are a significant component of the diet of wild Callithrix jacchus (Francisco et al, 2014). Exudates are found in the trunks and branches of some trees and are considered an important source of carbohydrates, proteins, minerals (especially calcium) (Francisco et al, 2014) and water (Porter et al, 2009).…”

“…Exudates are a significant component of the diet of wild Callithrix jacchus (Francisco et al, 2014). Exudates are found in the trunks and branches of some trees and are considered an important source of carbohydrates, proteins, minerals (especially calcium) (Francisco et al, 2014) and water (Porter et al, 2009). In marmosets, exudate digestion occurs by fermentation, which produces energy from the extraction of polysaccharides contained in the exudate (e.g., Canton et al, 1996).…”

Parasitism of trees by marmosets (Primates: Callitrichidae) enhance tree turnover

“…Furthermore, this effect is larger on smaller trees. It is likely that physical and mechanical factors, such as thinner barks, favour a greater relative damage on vessels (xylem and phloem) of smaller trees (Francisco et al, 2014), contributing to the increase in mortality. Finally, we confirmed the hypothesis proposed by Lacher et al (1984) that marmosets may be classified as parasites of trees since they cause harm to the trees through their gouging behaviour.…”

Diseases of the Gastrointestinal System

“…Their teeth and bone structure allow them to gouge tree bark to eat edible plant exudates including gum, sap, and latex [8]. This gouging behavior not only exposes the sappy interior but also stimulates the plant to produce gum, thus resulting in a long-term food source [9,10]. To better digest the gums, marmosets have a large cecum for their body size, which enables efficient fermentation.…”