Survey of populations of Callicebus nigrifrons in the Rio Doce State Parc and its surroundings

Abstract

Callicebus nigrifrons is one of the seven primate species that occur in the Rio Doce State Parc (PERD), which is part of the Atlantic Rain Forest Biosphere Reserve. The present study aims raise populations of C. nigrifrons and diagnose their conservation status in PERD and environment.The survey was conducted in July 2018, through interviews with the local population and researchers (n=24) and active search with playback support and characterization of forest fragments (n=22), in three regions: the interior of the park, north and south surroundings.. The occurrence of the species was recorded in the three regions by direct observation, vocalization in response to playback and / or interviewees' reports. Most of the sampled areas presented as small fragments with low vegetation quality, surrounded by pastures or eucalyptus plantations, especially in the vicinity of PERD. Although it is a species with a certain flexibility to live in small fragments and disturbed, the isolation, reduction and degradation of the habitats in the long term, can impact the genetic variability and availability of resources and, consequently, the viability of the populations of C. nigrifrons in these places. Therefore, the protection, recovery and recomposition of the connectivity of forests are measures of great importance to promote the survival of the species in PERD and especially in its surroundings.