Fragmentation dynamics and loss of area of potential occupancy within the distribution limits of the endangered crested capuchin monkey (Sapajus robustus)

Abstract

Habitat loss is one of the main threats to biodiversity. Fragmentation resulting from this process may restrict available habitat for primates, limiting their persistence in a given region. In this study, we aimed to quantify deforestation and fragmentation by identifying forest remnants capable of maintaining populations of the endangered crested capuchin monkey (Sapajus robustus) within its distributional limits in the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, and Minas Gerais, Brazil. We used Landsat images from 1985 to 2010 to generate three time-interval mosaics classified by natural and non-natural vegetation. We then calculated the size of the forest remnants and the distance of each fragment of natural vegetation to its nearest neighbor. Between the first (1985-1990) and second (1995-2000) mosaics there was a vegetation loss of 41.4%, and between the second and third (2005-2010) mosaics there was a natural vegetation gain of 1%. The third mosaic showed smaller and more isolated fragments in comparison to the first mosaic. Across the three periods, Bahia was the state with the highest rate of deforestation. While Espírito Santo had fewer identified forest remnants, it retained the most natural vegetation within these small fragments. The landscape within the currently recognized distributional limits of the crested capuchin monkey is dominated by agriculture and livestock. Both decreasing fragment size and increasing species isolation by distance between fragments can negatively affect primate populations, increasing their risk of extinction. Isolation makes it difficult for migration and recolonization events to occur. Therefore, habitat restoration should be prioritized to reduce isolation between populations. Our findings may serve as a resource for future conservation efforts and management of the crested capuchin monkey.

Ecological fragmentation effects in mouse lemurs and small mammals in northwestern Madagascar

“…As examples, Offerman, Dale, Pearson, O'Neill, and Bierregaard () detected positive effects of fragmentation on abundance that was triggered by the increasing availability of preferred food near the forest edge in some New World primates ( Alouatta seniculus, Pithecia pithecia , and Saguinus midas ). Conversely, a negative effect of increasing isolation on connectivity and recolonization potential was described in crested capuchins ( Sapajus robustus ; Mota, Leite, & Martins, ), and decreasing fragment size negatively affected the occurrence of black capuchin and black‐fronted titi monkeys ( Sapajus nigritus and Callicebus nigrifrons ; da Silva, Ribeiro, Hasui, da Costa, & da Cunha, ) and the species richness and abundance of ground‐dwelling small mammals (e.g., Rattus fuscipes and Antechinus stuartii ; Dunstan & Fox,) and some families of Afrosoricida (Tenrecidae and Soricidae; Goodman & Rakotondravony, ). A neutral response to fragmentation was documented in the black and gold howler monkey ( A. caraya ), whose density and number of groups were not affected by fragmentation in semideciduous forests in northern Argentina (Zunino, Kowalewski, Oklander, & Gonzalez, ).…”

Fragment shape and size, landscape permeability and fragmentation level as predictors of primate occupancy in a region of Brazilian Cerrado

“…Under natural conditions, capuchins live in large groups (12 to 27 individuals), with relatively large home ranges, of 161 ha, on average (Fragaszy et al, 2004). Where habitats have been fragmented and impoverished, larger patches may increase the potential for the occurrence and persistence of capuchin populations (Carretero-Pinzón et al, 2017;Mota, Leite, & Martins, 2018). Given the ability of capuchins to cross open areas in the landscape matrix (T. O. Grande, personal observation), in addition, a more permeable matrix would also facilitate access to adjacent forest patches, amplifying the range of resources available to a resident capuchin group (Hendges, Melo, Gonçalves, Cerezer, & Cáceres, 2017;Silva et al, 2015).…”

A robust tool kit: First report of tool use in captive crested capuchin monkeys (Sapajus robustus)

“…Even in populations where tool use does not occur, individuals in this species may be using their manual and cognitive skills to deal with other complex challenges. As the human population increases, crested capuchins, an endangered species whose population is declining (Martins et al, 2017(Martins et al, , 2021, find themselves in novel anthropogenic environments subject to fragmentation (Martins et al, 2022;Mota et al, 2018). Studies examining how crested capuchins respond and adapt to these novel environments, and documenting diversity in behaviors such as tool use across different populations, are sorely needed for this understudied and endangered species.…”