Distribution update and natural history of Plecturocebus caquetensis (Mammalia: Pitheciidae) in Colombia

Abstract

The Caquetá titi monkey, Plecturocebus caquetensis (Primates: Pitheciidae), is endemic to the Amazon foothdls in the departments of Caqueta and Cauca, Colombia. Being a species recently described, the information on its distribution and natural history is still scarce. We present a distribution update and observations on its natural history and ecological relationships in the Department of Cauca. We obtained 129 occurrences in Caquetá (n=75) and Cauca (n=54), 51 and 31 of them, respectively, representing new records for each department. The extension of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) were 3741 km2and 196 km2, respectively. Among the natural history observations, P. caquetensis occurred mairdv in the edges of seasonally flooded forests witii bamboo plants (Guadua sp.). Tire diurnal behavior included vocalization, locomotion, rest, play and feed. Ecological relationships of the species with birds, reptiles and mammals includes predation events by boas and buds. Furthermore, ecological observations about the consumption of bamboo petioles and the use of Vochisia sp. trees as nesting site is provided. We suggest exploring the presence of P. caquetensis in the "Serrania de los Churumbelos Auka-Wasi" protected area and the creation of conservation plans with the communities inhabiting the distribution area.