Primates of Virua National Park, Roraima, Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study presents a consolidated inventory of the primates in the Viruá National Park, Roraima. The inventory was based on a literature review, consultation of the collections of the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia and the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, expeditions in the Park, and interviews with the communities surrounding the Park. Biological samples were collected and deposited at the Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Primatas Brasileiros. Over six days in the field, 53 records of the following species were obtained: Saguinus midas, Saimiri sciureus, Sapajus apella, Aotus trivirgatus, Chiropotes sagulatus and Alouatta macconnelli. Besides these species, the interviews also pointed to the presence of Cheracebus lugens and Ateles paniscus. Pithecia chrysocephala was not observed nor mentioned in the interviews, probably because of its species cryptic and quiet behavior. The results indicate that S. apella and S. sciureus are the most abundant species. However, this might be biased by the fact that sampling was concentrated on banks of the Rio Branco. In addition, biological samples of S. apella, Cebus olivaceus, S. sciureus, and C. sagulatus were collected from animals found in residences around the Park. The Management Plan of the Viruá National Park points to wildlife tourism in the Program of Use.