Reduced range of the endangered crested capuchin monkey ( Sapajus robustusSapajus robustus ) and a possible hybrid zone with Sapajus nigritusSapajus nigritus

摘要

> The crested capuchin monkey ( Sapajus robustus ) is an endangered species endemic to the highly fragmented Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Surveys for S. robustus were carried out over a 25‐month period (2003–2005) to obtain more precise geographical limits for the western range of the species. Previously published localities for S. robustus were mapped, and each point was given a 25‐km radius “buffer zone.” The largest forest remnants in the buffer zones (300?ha) in Minas Gerais were visited in order to interview the local people and/or survey the forests directly using playback recordings of S. robustus . Camera traps were used in key localities if interviews suggested the presence of capuchins but no animals were sighted during the surveys. Of 127 valid interviews, only 39 people reported the presence of Sapajus in nearby forest fragments. We confirmed the presence of Sapajus in only 19 of these. S. robustus occurred in four, and S. libidinosus , S. nigritus , S. xanthosternos , or S. robustus ?×? S. nigritus (hybrids?) occurred in the remaining 15. Based on our study, the estimated geographical distribution of S. robustus is 119,654?km 2 , which represents a reduction of more than 70,000?km 2 when compared to its formerly described range. The geographical limits as defined in this study are: northeast—the Jequitinhonha River; northwest and west—the Jequitinhonha River; southwest—the Sua?uí Grande Rive