Project title: Effectiveness of the black-lion-tamarin Leontopithecus chrysopygus as seed disperser and the influence of fragmentation in post-dispersal processes.

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Abstract: The destruction and fragmentation of forests threaten many animal species and the survival of their populations, modifying the habitat at fragment and landscape scales, and ultimately altering the behavior of the species and plant-animal interactions. The black-lion-tamarin, Leontopithecus chrysopygus, is an insectivorous-frugivorous species whose habitat is one of the most fragmented among the primates of the Atlantic Rainforest. Although primates provide important ecosystem services, little is known about the role of the L. chrysopygus as seed disperser and how fragmentation affects post-dispersal processes. Thus, this study intends to aid in the management and conservation of the species in different areas, by contributing to the knowledge of the functions of the black-lion-tamarin as disperser. To do this, the study proposes three main approaches: characterize the primary dispersal accomplished by the species; evaluate the effectiveness of the directed dispersion performed by L. chrysopygus, in three areas, and evaluate the effect of fragmentation on the predation of three plant species used by black-lion-tamarins. The fieldwork will begin in August 2018 and end in July 2020, where groups of monkeys will be monitored in 9 different areas, differing in patch size and landscape characteristics. We will  evaluate the following parameters: the feeding behavior of three groups of black-lion-tamarin; the feces deposition pattern; the seed dispersal distance from the mother tree; the time of gut passage; the plant species most exploited by black-lion-tamarin and the dispersion of exotic species. Also, we will determine if the behavior and movement pattern of the black-lion-tamarin is habitat-specific, and if directed dispersion by L. chrysopygus is more advantageous to the plant (better recruitment success) than random dispersion and non dispersion, in three different contexts of fragmentation. In addition, the seed predation rate of three plant species will be compared between nine areas. And lastly, we will test the relationship between the predation rate and landscape and patch variables, and evaluate the effect of secondary dispersal on seed predation and dispersal effectiveness.

 

Contact: annesophie.as@hotmail.com

 

 

 

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