| Lilian Silva Catenacci |
| Golden-headed Lion Tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysonelas): Diet, nutritional behavior and their role as seed dispersers in fragmented areas of Bahia, Brazil |
| Location: Una Biological Reserve (REBIO-Una), Brazil |
| Species: Golden-headed Lion Tamarins |
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| Abstract: Diet correlates with many aspects of territoriality including home range size, feeding and ranging patterns. Fruit choice is the first stage in the complex web of seed dispersal interactions that determine patterns of forest regeneration. Habitat fragmentation and disturbance alter resource availability within an area, implicating the ecological processes in which a species is involved. Using a combination of behavioral observation, nutritional and morphological analyses of food resources, and fecal analysis, together with available data on vegetation structure and phenology, this project intends to evaluate the interactions between groups of golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas, GHLT) and the plant species they consume. Seasonality of range use and their role as seed dispersers will also be examined. This work will contribute to decisions regarding plants to be used in future corridors and the identification of fragmented areas to be prioritized for conservation. It will also provide data useful for studying the diet of GHLTs housed in captivity. |
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Project Update: March 2006 During the first three months of research, full-day observations were conducted on the Golden-headed lion tamarins (GHLT) groups, totaling 132 field hours. Botanical samples (leaves and twigs) were collected from 82 fruit trees visited by GHLTs and 57 fruit samples were collected for identification. 71 of the samples were identified by the herbarium of Itabuna, totaling 44 different species. Fifty-two fecal samples were also collected to evaluate the role of GHLTs as seed dispersers. Two germination plates were set up with 48 seed samples, totaling 7 different fruit trees. General bromatological analyses on collected fruit samples will begin in April 2006. The data generated in this project will be presented at the annual International Committee for the Conservation and Management of the Lion Tamarins (ICCM) meetings. The 2006 meeting will be in Ilhéus and at members of the project team will be presenting the project results, and offering new ideas for conservation actions for GHLTs. Project BioBrasil has close collaborations with local non-governmental institutions, governmental institutions, and international partners. Throughout the year, Project BioBrasil had meetings with the Environmental Education Group of IESB, to develop strategies, which will ensure research results are circulated to information sources and become actions for the local community. Upon IBAMA's request, a short documentary on Project BioBrasil's research was filmed and broadcasted in January 2006 on the Brazilian National SBT Television, during prime time. |
Project Update: August 2006 Eight months of feeding behavior observations and sample collection has taken place so far. 310 fecal samples have been collected to help evaluate the role of GHLT's as seed dispersers. Out of 310 samples, 280 contained seeds. 158 germination plates have been set up, totaling 16 different species of fruit trees. 1981 bromeliad seeds were found in fecal samples. The average density was 20.64 seeds per sample, and a total of 53% of all samples contained bromeliad seeds. A total of 400 observation hours have been conducted in the field, observing the GHLT's feeding behavior. Biological samples (leaves, twigs and fruit) have been collected from 197 fruit trees. Each tree was visited by the GHLT's. Of 197 trees, 73 have been identified by the herbarium of Itabuna, a total of 61 different species. Because of the large number of bromeliad seeds found, a pilot study was developed to help identify the plants. Teachers and students from the local university will germinate and identify the plants. It is believed that within four months, the bromeliads will be differentiated enough for identification. Understanding the role of GHLT's as fruit consumers and seed dispersers will be helpful in guiding the choice of plants appropriate for use in future corridors. Data collected will also contribute to the identification of areas to be prioritized for conservation, based on the distribution and quantity of available food resources in each area and patterns of seasonal range, and provide data to evaluate the diet of GHLT's housed in captivity. |
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| GHLT eating bromeliad (photo by C. Guidorizzi) | Field stove (photo by L. Catenacci) |
