Unprecedented census maps population of black lion tamarin in the center-west of SP The history of conservation of the black lion tamarin, a species symbol of São Paulo, which for decades seemed concentrated in Pontal do Paranapanema, gains a new chapter this month with an unprecedented census in the center-west of São Paulo. Teams from the Ecological Research Institute (IPÊ) began a broad survey of fragments of the Atlantic Forest spread across the regions of Lençóis Paulista, Bauru and Marília to discover how many groups of the small primate, threatened with extinction, remain. ? Join the g1 Bauru and Marília channel on WhatsApp The research, with support from the private sector, should define the next decades of species conservation in the region. Black lion tamarin, an endangered species that only exists in the State of São Paulo: unprecedented census in the center-west seeks to map groups of the primate across the region João Vitor Medeiros Teixeira/IPÊ The black lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysopygus) is one of the rarest primates on the planet. It exists only in the State of São Paulo, exclusively in the strip located between the Tietê and Paranapanema rivers. It was in the Pontal region, in 1984, that researchers began one of the longest-lasting conservation programs in Brazil, responsible for helping to remove the species from its condition. Today the species is protected in the Morro do Diabo State Park, in Teodoro Sampaio, where more than a thousand individuals are sheltered. According to researcher Gabriela Rezende, coordinator of IPÊ's Black Lion Tamarin Conservation Program, the animal lost practically the entire forest where it lived over the last century. Today, small fragments remain separated by cities, highways, crops and pastures. She highlights, to g1, that fragmentation is the biggest threat, due to the isolation and decline of the remaining populations and the consequent degradation of the habitat. It is precisely these "patches" of forest that the researchers intend to enter. "When we think about conserving the species, we need to look at all the regions where it still occurs. It is not enough to just protect Pontal do Paranapanema. There are other populations that are equally important to guarantee the survival of the black lion tamarin", explains Gabriela Rezende, to g1. According to the expert, expanding the focus to the center-west of São Paulo represents a strategic change. "The objective is to understand the conservation of the species as a whole. There are different threats in each region, genetically distinct populations and specific challenges. We need to know this reality before defining what actions will be necessary", says the researcher. Gabriela Rezende, coordinator of the black lion tamarin conservation program at the IPÊ Institute: diagnosis of the primate population now extends to the center-west of São Paulo IPÊ/Reproduction Scientific research on a regional scale The research in municipalities in the center-west of São Paulo, developed in partnership with Bracell, began this month and should last at least five years. The first stage works as a census of the species. Researchers must visit areas of Borebi (SP), Botucatu, Lençóis Paulista, São Manuel, Pratânia, Iaras, Garça, Alvinlândia and the surroundings of the Caetetus Ecological Station, in Gália. Contrary to what one might think, researchers do not go through the forest simply looking to find animals. Much of the monitoring is silent. Scattered throughout the forest, autonomous recorders remain for weeks recording sounds from the forest. The objective is to capture the vocalizations emitted by the tamarins. At the same time, camera traps (trap cameras) equipped with motion sensors automatically record any animal that passes in front of the lens. If a black lion tamarin crosses that part of the forest, its presence is recorded. The researchers use the know-how acquired in the monitoring carried out in Pontal do Paranapanema, in the Presidente Prudente region, for the new stage. According to Gabriela, this type of remote monitoring has become one of the most important tools in modern conservation. "It is a very difficult species to detect. It vocalizes, so we were able to identify its presence using the recorders. We also use cameras with motion sensors. These are non-invasive and extremely efficient methods to discover whether the animal is still present in that fragment", explains Gabriela, to g1. Cameras installed in the Atlantic Forest capture a baby black lion tamarin in the interior of SP Above the head, without being seen Even for experienced researchers, finding a black lion tamarin is not a simple task. Weighing around 600 grams (approximately the size of a squirrel), the animal lives practically all the time in the treetops. It moves with extreme agility, almost always in silence. "Sometimes we are right under them and we don't even notice. They can move very discreetly through the treetops", explains Gabriela. Groups usually bring together between two and eight individuals. There is always a breeding pair accompanied by their young. The main visual characteristic is the black mane around the head. On the back of the body, near the tail, a golden-orange spot appears. Among researchers, the description became a humorous way to facilitate recognition. "It's as if he was wearing gold shorts", says Gabriela. Cameras installed in the Atlantic Forest capture a group of black lion tamarins in the interior of SP IPÊ/Reproduction READ MORE Cameras installed in the Atlantic Forest capture a baby black lion tamarin in the interior of SP: 'Very positive indicator', says researcher Black Lion Tamarin Day: population management boosts genetic diversity of the species in the interior of SP VIDEO: Environment director uses cell phone to reproduce sound and help black lion tamarins cross the highway Symbol of SP, little known to São Paulo residents Despite its striking appearance, few people know the animal. According to the researcher, many people from São Paulo