Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Urban wildlife may thrive in cities, with urban expansion and greening efforts enhancing opportunities for human-wildlife interactions. This study focuses on identifying trends in 1204 reported incidents involving Callithrix marmosets from 2012 to 2023 in São Paulo, Brazil, by analysing both general and specific types of interactions. For this, seasonal patterns were examined to determine the effects of variations in temperature and precipitation, while geographic location, population density, total area, and vegetation cover were explored to understand possible drivers of these interactions. The findings revealed an overall notable increase in Callithrix incidents during the study period (from 14 in 2012 to 196 in 2023), with trauma being the most reported incident (accounting for ~55% of reports). Although some seasonal variation in Callithrix incidents was observed, no significant correlation was found with weather factors like precipitation or temperature. This suggests that other variables, such as human activities, food availability, or changes in the urban environment, may play a more critical role in shaping seasonal patterns. A strong correlation was found between vegetation cover and Callithrix incidents in different regions of the city; however, it is challenging to determine if vegetation cover can be disentangled from other potential drivers, such as total area, geographic location, and proximity to natural habitats. This relationship highlights the importance of green spaces in supporting Callithrix populations in urban environments, indicating that vegetation likely plays a crucial role in providing habitat and resources for these primates within city settings. Understanding these dynamics is essential for addressing the challenges of marmoset population growth in urban environments. Effective management strategies must focus on mitigating human-wildlife conflicts while maintaining urban vegetation that is crucial for Callithrix survival. This will require balanced urban planning that integrates green spaces with wildlife conservation efforts, ensuring coexistence between humans and wildlife in large cities like São Paulo.