Primates of the Tefé National Forest, Central Amazonia

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Amazon rainforest is the most diverse Brazilian biome regarding primate diversity, with 77% of the 139 taxa described for Brazil. Despite its ecological importance, Amazonian biodiversity is relatively unknown. The objective of this study is to present the results of an inventory of primates in the National Forest of Tefé, Brazil, including its buffer zone, and highlight some threats identified. Data collection was carried out using four methods: survey of the animals in scientific collections, a survey in situ, collection of data and biological material from captive animals, and interviews of local residents. Fifty encounters in the wild and 14 encounters in captivity were recorded with the identification of 12 species. Twelve interviews resulted in the identification of 13 species and 9 were identified following the survey of museum specimens from the region - 14 species overall. Aotus vociferans was not expected for the study area, and this record has extended the species' known range. During the interviews, we identified a preference for hunting the larger primates, such as Lagothrix cana, Ateles chamek, Alouatta puruensis, and Sapajus macrocephalus, totalizing 27 (84.3%) records. The results of this study demonstrate that the National Forest of Tefé has a significant diversity of primates, representing 10.7% of Brazilian primates and 17.9% of the Amazonian primates.