Mauricio Talebi Gomes
Location: Carlos Bothelo State Park and Atlantic Forest extensions and fragments, Brazil
Research: Conservation of the Southern Muriqui (Brachyteles arachnoides) in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Abstract: The State of São Paulo harbors the largest remnants and the areas of richest biodiversity of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, including the "Serra do Mar Corridor" and the "Continuum Ecological of Paranapiacaba". In addition, these areas may support the largest wild populations of Brachyteles in Brazil - a species that is on the global priority list for biodiversity conservation and a charismatic flagship species used to stimulate the conservation of the Atlantic forest. This project has two distinct and simultaneous phases that will focus on generating scientific knowledge and completing baseline requirements for the long-term integrated conservation effort for the endangered southern muriquis (Brachyteles arachnoides) in the State of São Paulo (SP). The broader goal is to estimate the population parameters of southern muriqui, by spatial mapping the species geographical distribution and conservation status within the remaining forested areas of São Paulo State. This will be achieved by 1) Analyzing secondary data; 2) Generating new field data and 3) Producing a technical final evaluation report that will serve as a relevant tool for the set-up of regional and national conservation strategies and policies for Brachyteles. The more specific goal, in integrating conservation policy and scientific research, is to investigate the feeding- and socio-ecology of one muriqui group to gain insight into their unique social system. This study will support the continuation of the long-term project investigating this specific population at the Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho - SP.