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

Autores

  • Marcos Vinícius de Almeida Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP
  • Anderson da Silva Lucindo Universidade Federal de São Carlos - UFSCar
  • Thiago Vernaschi Vieira da Costa Universidade de São Paulo
  • Hugo Medeiros Garrido de Paula Universidade Estadual Paulista -UNESP

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2013v26n1p203

Resumo

Although 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.

 

Publicado

2013-01-07

Edição

Seção

Short Communication