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Exudate-feeding byCallithrix jacchus penicillata in semideciduous woodland (Cerradão) in central Brazil

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Abstract

We report the exudate feeding behavior of two groups of marmosets (Callithrix jacchus penicillata) living permanently in Cerradão, a common woodland formation of Central Brazil. Cerradão is an open canopy formation and marmosets must occasionally descend to the ground in order to move from tree to tree. Even in atypical habitat, exudate eating is the predominant foraging activity. Marmosets are engaged in exudate collection over 70% of the total time spent feeding. They were observed gnawing on seven species of trees, and consumed exudates from four of these species. We compared the degree of utilization of the exudate sources, and examined a number of different characteristics of the exudates. Morphological adaptations that allow for the exploitation of the “exudate-eater niche” may be an important component of the adaptability ofCallithrix marmosets.

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Author notes

  1. Gustavo A. Bouchardet da Fonseca

    Present address: Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30000, Minas Gerais, Brazil

  2. Thomas E. Lacher Jr.

    Present address: Huxley College of Environmental Studies, Western Washington University, 98225, Bellingham, Washington, U.S.A.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica, Brazil

    Gustavo A. Bouchardet da Fonseca

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  1. Gustavo A. Bouchardet da Fonseca
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  2. Thomas E. Lacher Jr.
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Bouchardet da Fonseca, G.A., Lacher, T.E. Exudate-feeding byCallithrix jacchus penicillata in semideciduous woodland (Cerradão) in central Brazil. Primates 25, 441–449 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02381667

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02381667

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