Human perceptions and practices related to the squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) in a forest area of Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract

• In the 1980s, squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) apprehended during an operation to combat animal trafficking in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, were released into the Atlantic Forest of the Reserva Biológica de Saltinho (REBio Saltinho). As this is an exotic species, which is rapidly disseminated throughout the area, it is necessary to understand the perceptions and attitudes of the reserve residents, workers, and visitors in order to identify potential interactions, conflicts and social factors that may influence the relationship between people and monkeys. Thus, between April and October 2019, three human groups answered semi-structured questionnaires about their perceptions of the squirrel monkey and their attitudes towards primates. Altogether, 70 people were interviewed, of which 94.3% claimed to know of the squirrel monkey. While residents of the surrounding areas of REBio Saltinho described the squirrel monkey using mainly morphological and behavioral characteristics (65%), workers and visitors related their descriptions to the fact that these animals are invasive in 46% and 40% of responses, respectively. Most respondents (80%) were not bothered by the presence of these monkeys, and 86% denied interacting with the animal, while the remaining 14% admitted to trying to interact with the monkeys in some way, usually through offering food. This research will contribute to the improvement and promotion of the actions of environmental management by REBio Saltinho.