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Exploitation of Mabea fistulifera nectar by marmosets (Callithrix flaviceps) and muriquis (Brachyteles arachnoides) in south-east Brazil

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

Stephen F. Ferrari  and
Karen B. Strier
Stephen F. Ferrari
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University College London, UK
Karen B. Strier*
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin, 1180 Observatory Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
*
2 Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
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Abstract

The present study reports on the exploitation of the nectar of Mabea fistulifera (Euphorbiaceae) by two platyrrhine primate species (Brachyteles arachnoides and Callithrix flaviceps) in the Atlantic Forest of south-east Brazil. Nectar-feeding by both primates was observed between late April and May, during which a peak in the floristic activity of M. fistulifera was recorded, in terms of both the number of trees flowering and the number of flowers available on each tree. Phenological records indicate, by contrast, that edible fruit was relatively scarce during this period, the early dry season at the study site. On the days when nectar was consumed, it accounted for 25% of records of plant feeding for B. arachnoides and 29% for C. flaviceps, although the former species was observed nectar feeding over a much longer period. The evidence indicates that M. fistulifera is a valuable, but not essential resource for both primates at a time of year when edible fruit is relatively difficult to obtain. M. fistulifera, in turn, can be seen as an opportunistic plant whose floral characteristics permit pollination by a wide range of volant and non-volant vertebrates, including primates.

Keywords

Brachyteles arachnoidesBrazilCallithrix flavicepsMabea fistuliferanectar-feedingpollinationflowering phenology
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 8 , Issue 3 , August 1992 , pp. 225 - 239
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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