Damage to forest plantations by tufted capuchins (Sapajus nigritus): Too many monkeys or not enough fruits?

• We investigated if Sapajus nigritus pine bark-stripping behavior is associated with overpopulation and/or food scarcity.
• We found a density of 2.23 ± 1.09 individuals/km2, which is lower than previously reported for this species.
• Sapajus nigritus tree damage seems to be primarily related to seasonal fluctuations in fruit and seed availability.
• Short term remediation strategies based on forestry management may be effective to reduce economic loss.
• In the longer term, forests could be enriched with native fruit species to minimize bark-stripping.

Damage to agricultural and forest plantations caused by wild animals, including primates, is increasing globally due to shrinking habitats and the expansion of plantations. Over recent decades there has been an increase in reports of Sapajus nigritus causing damage (bark-stripping) to commercial Pine plantations in Southern Brazil. We conducted a two-year census and a phenological study of plant species consumed by S. nigritus to investigate if bark-stripping behavior is associated with overpopulation and/or food scarcity. We obtained a density of 2.23 ± 1.09 individuals/km2 in our study area, which is lower than previously reported in the literature for this species. The population experienced periods of food shortage from July to November, coinciding with a peak in damage to Pinus by S. nigritus. Thus, our results suggest that S. nigritus tree damage is primarily related to seasonal fluctuations in fruit and seed availability. Nevertheless, short term remediation strategies based on forestry management may be effective. These include planting less-preferred pine species, and reducing economic losses by optimizing both the timing of removal of injured trees, and the use of damaged trees depending on the type and intensity of the injury. In the longer term, native forests could be enriched with plant species that produce fruits during the period of fruit scarcity.