A History of Long-term Research and Conservation of Northern Muriquis (Brachyteles hypoxanthus) at the Estação Biológica de Caratinga/RPPN-FMA

Abstract

Northern muriquis (Brachyteles hypoxanthus) are endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic forest, and rank among the most critically endangered primates in the world. The 957-ha forest at the Biological Station of Caratinga/Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural – Feliciano Miguel Abdalla (EBC/RPPN-FMA), in Minas Gerais, supports a population of more than 230 individuals, one of the highest population densities known. Long-term research and conservation efforts have been underway there since 1982, during which time the behavioral ecology, reproductive biology, and life histories of members of one of the two original groups (Matão) have been systematically monitored. These data, together with a census conducted in 1999, signaled the importance of expanding the project to include the entire population at this site. Since 2002, all four of the muriqui groups that now inhabit this forest have been monitored. While continuing to provide training and research opportunities for Brazilian students, our new research initiatives are focusing on understanding the demography and ecology of this population. Analyses of vegetation structure and composition indicate that the forest at EBC is relatively species-rich compared with other tropical rainforests worldwide. Tree mortality and recruitment are relatively high and overall primary productivity, as measured by litter fall, is average for tropical forests. Given that the forest at EBC has suffered the impact of selective logging, fi re, and agriculture, we believe that its high rate of turnover may be a response to past disturbance regimes, and one of the reasons muriquis are doing so well here. It has been proposed that primates that include substantial amounts of leaves in their diet may be favored by habitat disturbance if that means an increase in the availability of more palatable and more nutritious leaves. In addition, in terms of fruits, muriquis are very opportunistic feeders, not appearing to select fruits of any particular, size, shape, or dispersion syndrome. This paper reviews the history of research and conservation activities on behalf of this critically endangered species at a critically important fi eld site.