Conservation Strategies  

The Committee for the Conservation and Manaworkgroup of specialists is composed of public authorities, the scientific community and conservation agencies. It was established in 2002, to coordinate the establishment of priorities for federal policies related to muriqui research and preservation. The principal investigator of the Pró-Muriqui Association, is the representative member for São Paulo State within this workgroup.

The CCMM is expected to provide guidelines and the technical basis for the legislation towards the preservation of the Brachyteles species. Recently the CCMM established that a regional species approach to muriqui conservation is required, since there is variation between populations in their respective habitats. The CCMM recognized two top national priorities for muriqui research in Brazil: the Estação Biológica de Caratinga in Minas Gerais State (EBC) with the northern muriquis, and the long-term reseaactivities of Pró-Muriqui Association at Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho (Parque ECB), with the southern muriquis. Recently however, the CCMM has identified critical actions and approaches that have remained unaccomplished for both species.

These include:

• To update the conservation status of both nremnant populations, mapping the complete geographic distributions of the 2 species.

To reinforce the muriqui as a flagship species and improve environmental conservationlocal, regional and national levels;

To improve the level of qualified humuriqui conservation research.

• The Parque ECB is within the most important remnant (Paranapiacaba Ecological Continuum), representing an area of highest biological significance. It harbors the largest known population of southern muriquis: estimated to be 500-800 individua(Paccagnella, 1985) and therefore represents a vital area for the long-term viability of the Brachytelgenus. Studies of muriqui populations inhabiting pristine, ‘natural’ environments are vital to complement studies in fragmented forests, to understand the genus’ behavioural ecology and parameters affecting its viability. Muriqui as a flagship species for the Brazilia

The muriqui has great potential as a flagship species for the consefor the following reasons: It is found only in the Brasil. It is a charismatic species being the largest neotropical primate species.

• With the muriqui as a flagship species, other forest species would also benefit from conservation activities.

These include the following species under pressure for survival: Endangered Jaguar (Panthera onca- FELIDAE) Jacutinga (Pipile jacutinga, CRACIDAE) and Chauá (Amazona rhodocorytha. PSITTACIDAE). Vulnerable Bush dog (Speothos venaticus, CANIDAE), Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis mitis, FELIDAE), Bush-Cat (Leopardus tigrinus, FELIDAE), Maracaja-Cat (Leopardus wiedii, FELIDAE), Mountain lion (Puma concolor capricornensis, FELIDAE), Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis, MUSTELIDAE), Purple-Headed Parrot (Amazona brasiliensis, PSITTACIDAE). Other important species: Brown capuchin (Cebus apella, PRIMATES) Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus tyrannus, ACCIPITRIDAE) Brown howler monkey (Alouatta fusca, PRIMATES) Brazilian Tapir (Tapirus terrestris, TAPIRIDAE)

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest has lacked basic assessment studies and detailed data on species occurrence. As more detailed fauna surveys are conducted, it is likely that other species of conservation concern will soon be listed, especially birds and amphibians. Southern Muriqui Research at Parque ECB (2005) Two groups of wild muriquis fully habituated to humans are under study within an area of approximately 2000 ha. Behavioral ecology data are collected on a daily-basis.

The Pró-Muriqui Association has established an extensive 210 km trail system to enable comprehensive data collection. A large majority of the 7,500 feeding trees, 450 phenology trees, day foraging routes and sleeping sites have been located using a global positioning system. The rhythms of plant production (phenology) of the key diet items are monitored on a monthly basis and diet samples are investigated for chemical (nutritional and secondary compounds) and physical (toughness and color) properties.

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