1. Population demography of northern muriquis (Brachyteles hypoxanthus) at the Estacao Biologica de Caratinga/Reserva particular do Patrimonio Natural-Feliciano Miguel Abdala, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Author
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Strier, Karen B., Boubli, Jean P., Possamai, Carla B., and Mendes, Sergio L.
- Subjects
Minas Gerais, Brazil -- History ,Tribes -- Natural history ,Tribes -- Demographic aspects ,Tribes -- Research ,Physical anthropology -- Research ,Anthropology/archeology/folklore - Abstract
The 957-ha forest at the Estacao Biologica de Caratinga/Reserva Particular do Patrimonio Natural-Feliciano Miguel Abdala, in Minas Gerais, Brazil, supports one of the largest known populations of the critically endangered northern muriqui (Brachyteles hypoxanthus). We combine long-term data on one group that has been monitored since 1982 with new data obtained on the other three groups since 2002 and 2003 to describe the demographic structure of this population, evaluate its potential for future growth, and predict how dispersal and competitive regimes may change in response to current demographic conditions. As of January 2005, the 226 individuals in the population were divided into four mixed-sex groups with 37-77 members, and an all-male unit whose eight males maintained transient associations with two of the mixed-sex groups. Although 51.77% of the population was female, the sex ratio among adults and subadults was female-biased (0.75), while that among immatures was male-biased (1.47). Consistent with expectations from mean interbirth intervals, 64.18% of adult females gave birth in 2003 and 2004. However, by January 2005, only 52.31% of adult females were still carrying infants KEY WORDS northern muriqui; Brachyteles hypoxanthus; demography; infant mortality; sex ratios
- Published
- 2006