WHITE-FACED MARMOSET, CALLITHRIX GEOFFROYI, RELEASED AT ESTÂNCIA SÃO LUCAS, GUAÇUÍ-ES

Abstract

The white-faced marmoset, Callithrix geoffroyi (Humbold, 1812), is an endemic species of the Atlantic Forest that has a white face and throat (hence the species name). It can weigh between 300 and 450 grams and occur in southern Bahia, adjacent parts of Minas Gerais and in much of the state of Espírito Santo (Mendes, 1995). The populations recorded in other locations are the result of releases (Coimbra-Filho, 1986; Rylands and Mendes, 2008). In June 2017, a partnership was formed, aiming at the release of wild animals, between CEREIAS and Estância São Lucas. In September 2019, along with birds and birds, 2 groups of marmosets were released, with a total of 7 animals. The family with 4 individuals, after about 20 days, migrated to another location 900 meters from the release site and had 3 disappearances. The family with 3 individuals remained at the release site, 2 males (1 adult and 1 juvenile) and 1 adult female. In the course of two and a half years, there were 4 matings, with 7 births. Being: 2 puppies in the first calving in March 2020, 1 pup in the second calving in October 2020 and 2 pups in the third calving in September 2021 (on 10/12/2021 one of the puppies was found dead) and 2 puppies in the fourth calving in March 2022. The group of marmosets, which lives in the area of ​​Estância São Lucas, now has 8 individuals, as a male was transferred, in March 2021, to the fragment where the solitary female was to form couple and had 1 calf in March 2022. We consider the release and introduction of marmosets to be a success, using animals from captivity and/or trafficking, as a result of seizures made by IBAMA and PM AMBIENTAL. Animals that were condemned to a life of imprisonment and mistreatment now have the opportunity to live free and reproduce again.