Occurrence of non-human primates in the urban environments of Cruzeiro do Sul, state of Acre, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to verify the occurrence and distribution of primates in the urban and peri-urban environments of the municipality of Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil, through both direct (random walking) and indirect (semi-structured interviews) methods. We covered 33 grids of 500m — 500m and carried out 56 interviews. The results indicated the probable occurrence of nine primate species (indirect method) and we were able to confirm the presence of Cebuella niveiventris, Leontocebus fuscicollis fuscicollis, Saguinus mystax mystax and Plecturocebus cupreus (direct method). The disorderly growth of the urban areas of the town negatively affects the remaining forests and their species. We argue for the need to maintain and recuperate the riparian forests (Areas of Permanent Preservation), and to develop local programs of environmental education in the schools and local communities.