New records, reconfirmed sites and proposals for the conservation of black lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysopygus) in the middle and upper Paranapanema

Abstract

The Black Lion Tamarin (BLT, Leontopithecus chrysopygus) is an endangered species, endemic to the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The conservation of the species depends on the effective management of the populations and forest conservation but also on the updated knowledge of its areas of occurrence. Here, we report the record of a new site of BLT occurrence in the municipality of Guareí and confirm the presence of this species in two municipalities, Taquarivaí and Borebi, which (Borebi) is the first record since the last two decades in the Middle Paranapanema basin. Direct observations of BLT groups occurred after the use of playbacks of BLT vocalizations (Guareí), during the prospection of the area (Taquarivaí) and the monitoring of the fauna (Borebi). These three sites are located close to known BLT populations. The occurrence of BLTs in anthropized landscapes with low forest cover, but with a considerable presence of riparian forests, gives evidence of the ecological resilience of the species and underlines the conservation value of such habitats. We are initiating scientific based projects and environmental education programs to increase the knowledge about the ecology and tolerance of BLTs in human altered landscapes. The confirmation of occurrence areas and new records of BLT populations is the starting point for the conservation success of the species.