Diagnóstico do conhecimento da comunidade sobre os primatas da Serra do Japi

Abstract

The Serra do Japi is a biodiverse remnant of the Atlantic Forest located ca. 50 km north of city of São Paulo (São Paulo state, Brazil). Two species of primates are found in this region: The buffy-tufted-ear-marmoset (Callithrix aurita), a species threatened with extinction, and the black-fronted titi monkey (Callicebus nigrifrons). Local ecological knowledge (LEK) can provide useful information for understanding species occurrence and their relationship with the local population, considering the socio-environmental changes that have occurred over the years. In this study, 72 interviews were conducted with residents and workers of the Serra do Japi to obtain information about the primates present and to assist in mapping the occurrence of the native marmoset, Callithrix aurita, and other possible introduced marmoset species. Most of the interviewees mentioned both species of primates known for the region; however, when shown images, only 25% of the interviewees could recognize Callithrix aurita and 47% Callicebus nigrifrons. The difficulty of visually separating different Callithrix species leaves open the possibility that other species of Callithrix occur in the area. Callicebus nigrifrons was often confused with Alouatta guariba, absent at Serra do Japi, due to its powerful vocalization, suggesting that people may actually see Callicebus infrequently. These results have guided environmental education actions, contributing to the knowledge of primates and the importance of the Serra do Japi for these species.