Primates of the Lago Piratuba Biological Reserve, state of Amapá, Brazil: occurrence, conflicts and threats

Abstract

Although the Lake Piratuba Biological Reserve (RBLP) is a strictly protected area, there are pressures and threats that might compromise the conservation of its biota. In this work, we evaluate the presence of primates in the RBLP lack of information, and threats. To do this, we reviewed the available literature, interviewed residents and carried out an expedition to the southern portion of the reserve. We confirmed the presence of Saimiri sciureus, Sapajus apella and Alouatta macconnelli and obtained evidence for the occurrence of Aotus infulatus and Alouatta belzebul. The main economic activities of the region are primarily related to livestock farming and fisheries, and secondarily to the cultivation of watermelon, vegetables, cassava and maize. Saimiri sciureus and S. apella raid maize crops and the farmers guard their crops, and use firereams and scarecrows to to keep them away. Past historical incidence of environmental disturbances, such as fires and deforestation, have altered the natural landscapes and are of moderate concern particularly in the south of the reserve. We suggest that future research should be focused on the confirmation of A. belzebul and A. infulatus and the possible presence of other species, the study of populations in disturbed habitats, the extent of crop-raiding, and a better understanding of primate-human conflict in the reserve.