Ecologia, comportamento e associações poliespecíficas do macaco-de-cheiro (Saimiri sciureus), Amazônia Oriental

Abstract

Saimiri sciureus is a primate species widely distributed throughout the Amazon Basin. However, there are few studies in the natural environment in the Brazilian Amazon involving ecological and / or behavioral aspects of the species and virtually none on their associations with other species. In this work we were studied general patterns of ecology and behavior of two groups of S. sciureus and their association with other primate species in the Conservation Unit Mosaic Hydroelectric Tucuruí plant. The study sites were Germplasm Island (IG) and the Life Preservation Zone Silvestre Base 4 (B4). Data were collected by the methods of instant scanning and ad libitum for six months between March and October 2009. The group use area corresponding to approximately 75 ha in B4 and 77.5 ha in IG. The use of vertical space, there was a preference for the lower and middle strata. In addition, there was a marked pattern in the use of strata throughout the day, with more frequent use of higher strata in the first two hours of activities, the lower strata from 10 to 14 hours and intermediate strata in the day. Feeding behavior (50% CI; 49% B4) and transportation (29% both) were more frequent than food (12% CI; 15% B4), social interaction (6% IG, 4% B4) and rest (3 % for both), in agreement with other studies in the Amazon. The diet was predominantly frugivorous (75% B4, 71% IG), differing from a number of studies that have characterized every kind as highly insectivorous. The most important plant species were Attalea maripa in the rainy season and Inga spp. in the dry season, for both groups. The frequency of association was 100% of the time (B4) and 49% (IG) with Cebus, 20% (B4) with Satan Chiropotes and 3% (IG) with Uta Hick's bearded saki. There was meeting with belzebul Alouatta and Saguinus niger in two sites with Azara's Night Monkey B4 and Callicebus Moloch in IG. The IG group spent more time in association during the rainy season. Weather in association with C. satanas was higher in the dry season, without seasonal difference utahicki C. and C. apella. There were differences between S. sciureus, C. apella and C. satanas in the use of vertical space, the type of support and explored food items. The-smell-monkeys had greater niche that capuchin monkeys to use vertical space and food items, and capuchin monkeys had greater niche for media type. Most niche overlap in the three dimensions measured was between C. apella and S. sciureus.