Vegetable exudates as food for Callithrix spp. (Callitrichidae): exploratory patterns.
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.
Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
Talitha Mayumi
TM
Francisco
Departamento de Botânica/Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 20940-040, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Dayvid Rodrigues
DR
Couto
Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
José Cola
JC
Zanuncio
Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, Brazil.
José Eduardo
JE
Serrão
Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
Ita de Oliveira
Ide O
Silva
Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, Brazil.
Vanner
V
Boere
D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D002144:Callithrix / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D014197:Trees; D014675:Vegetables