Good neighbours: distribution of black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) in an urban environment

作者：Bruno Teixeira, André Hirsch, Vinícius Donisete Lima Rodrigues Goulart, Luiza Figueiredo Passos, Camila Palhares Teixeira, Philip James, Robert John Young · 发表于：Wildlife Research · 年份：2015 · DOI：10.1071/wr14148 · 被引用次数：58 · 研究领域：Primate Behavior and Ecology、Wildlife Ecology and Conservation、Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation

Context Primates are one of the most charismatic and widely studied vertebrate groups. However, the study of new world primates in green patches within urban areas has been neglected. Such primates have been viewed as a source of human–animal conflict; however, their ecological importance to urban ecosystems and their role in human well being is poorly understood. Aims To increase understanding of both ecological and socioeconomical factors affecting the distribution, density and group sizes of urban marmosets in a large Brazilian city (Belo Horizonte). Methods A map of vegetation cover and land use was produced and employed to investigate the distribution of marmosets. An online questionnaire was extensively publicised, which permitted the public to report the occurrence or not of marmosets near their residences. For sites with low salary levels and low internet availability, face-to-face interviews were conducted. Additionally, field surveys were conducted in 120 green areas identified by spatial analysis as potential areas of occurrence. The human population density, salary levels and green areas were posteriorly correlated with marmoset distribution. Key results Despite the urbanisation and high human population density, green fragments within the city still housed marmoset groups. However, the presence of green areas did not always indicate primate presence. Group presence was significantly related to the size of parks or green areas and negatively related to built-up ar...