Abstract

SILVESTRE, Saulo M et al. Faecal analysis as a complementary approach to the study of feeding ecology in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus Linnaeus, 1758)  . Mastozool. neotrop. [online]. 2016, vol.23, n.1, pp.185-191. ISSN 0327-9383.

We evaluated the application of faecal analysis as a complementary approach to direct observation in the study of Callithrix jacchus feeding ecology. Our results indicate that animal foods may be more commonly consumed (based on faecal samples-FS; 61.48% of diet) than previously thought (e.g., only 22.83% based on observational data-OD). Whereas FS provide better data on animal prey, it was less effective than OD in identifying plant items. Six insect orders-including Dermaptera and two hymenopteran families, not previously recorded in marmoset diet-were identified through FS, which is thus shown to be useful in characterizing diet, especially in insectivorous primates.

Keywords : Arthropods; Diet; Marmosets; Methods; Artrópodes; Dieta; Métodos; Sagui.