Behavioral Adjustments by a Small Neotropical Primate (Callithrix jacchus)‎ in a Semiarid Caatinga Environment

Abstract EN

We provide the first information on the behavior of a small primate (Callithrix jacchus) inhabiting a semiarid Caatinga environment in northeastern Brazil.

We observed behavioral variations in response to temperature fluctuation throughout the day.

Due to the high temperatures, low precipitation, and resource scarcity in the Caatinga, as well as the lack of physiological adaptations (e.g., a highly concentrated urine and a carotid rete to cool down the brain) of these primates, we expected that the common marmosets would exhibit behavioral adjustments, such as a prolonged resting period or the use of a large home range.

During the six-month period, we collected 246 hours of behavioral data of two groups (10 individuals) of Callithrix jacchus.

Most of the observed behavioral patterns were influenced by temperature fluctuation.

Animals rested longer and reduced other activities, such as foraging, when temperatures were higher.

Both study groups exploited home ranges of 2.21–3.26 ha, which is within the range described for common marmosets inhabiting the Atlantic Forest.

Our findings confirm that common marmosets inhabiting the Caatinga adjust their behavioral patterns to cope with the high temperatures that characterize this environment and highlight their ability to survive across a wide range of different environmental conditions.