Identifying Suitable Habitats for the Reintroduction of Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) in Northeastern Brazil’s Caatinga Biome

Abstract

Many primate species are threatened by the pet trade, and rehabilitated monkeys require suitable habitats for release back into the wild. The process of identifying suitable release sites involves finding areas with adequate resources and minimizing negative impacts on resident species and human populations. To address this challenge, this study was designed to identify and map suitable areas for the reintroduction of bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) into the Caatinga biome in northeastern Brazil. We used a multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) to identify suitable release areas. Using a species distribution model, we located suitable habitats for seven species of vegetation that are vital resources during the dry season: Syagrus romanzoffiana, Attalea speciosa, Syagrus oleracea, Commiphora leptophloeos, Manihot epruinosa, Pilosocereus pachycladus, and Tacinga inamoena. We then created an MCDA by using vegetation suitability, water availability, proximity to protected areas, and distance from roads and cities as key variables. To increase accessibility, we coded the results into a Google Earth Engine app, allowing for easy and free access to researchers and others interested in capuchin monkey conservation. The resulting suitability maps cover the entire Caatinga biome, providing a valuable tool for conservation efforts by simplifying the initial step of locating potential release sites. This study demonstrates the application of geospatial tools in mapping suitable habitats for the translocation and release of rehabilitated primates at a time when biodiversity loss, the exotic pet trade, land use change, and climate change are threatening nonhuman primates worldwide.