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

Teixeira, B; Hirsch, A; Goulart, VDLR; Passos, L; Teixeira, C; James, P; Young, RJ

Abstract

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 areas, and human density. Salary
levels were related to more forested streets and possibly tolerance. Marmosets were classified as urban utilisers.
Conclusions: The human–wildlife conflict with marmoset species was relatively low, owing to marmoset avoidance
of built-up areas. The interaction of marmoset species and city dwellers was mainly limited to borders of forest fragments
and inside city parks, and appeared to be human motivated.
Implications: This study showed the importance of public involvement in wildlife studies in urban environments;
clarifying the interaction between city dwellers and wild species is essential to mitigate negative interactions.

Citation

(Callithrix penicillata) in an urban environment. Wildlife Research, 42(7), https://doi.org/10.1071/WR14148

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 20, 2015
• Publication Date: Jun 10, 2015
• Deposit Date: Jun 19, 2015
• Journal: Wildlife Research
• Print ISSN: 1035-3712
• Electronic ISSN: 1448-5494
• Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 42
• Issue: 7
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/WR14148
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/WR14148
• Related Public URLs: http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/144.htm
• Additional Information: Funders : CAPES postgraduate scholarship;Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq);Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG); Grant Number: 1213-13-0, 6060-13-7