Simulations of populations of Sapajus robustus in a fragmented landscape

TL;DR

This paper develops a computer simulation model based on the Penna Model to study how habitat fragmentation impacts the population viability of the endangered Sapajus robustus, highlighting the importance of area, fragment shape, and genetic diversity.

Contribution

It introduces a modified Penna Model tailored for simulating primate populations in fragmented habitats, providing insights into conservation strategies for Sapajus robustus.

Findings

Population viability decreases with habitat fragmentation

Genetic variability loss impacts survival

Fragment shape and dispersion influence population dynamics

Abstract

The study of populations subject to the phenomenon of loss and fragmentation of habitat, transforming continuous areas into small ones, usually surrounded by anthropogenic matrices, has been the focus of many researches within the scope of conservation. The objective of this study was to develop a computer model by introducing modifications to the renowned Penna Model for biological aging, in order to evaluate the behavior of populations subjected to the effects of fragmented environments. As an object of study, it was used biological data of the robust tufted capuchin (Sapajus robustus), an endangered primate species whose geographical distribution within the Atlantic Rain Forest is part of the backdrop of intense habitat fragmentation. The simulations showed the expected behavior based on the three main aspects that affects populations under intense habitat fragmentation: the population density, area and conformation of the fragments and deleterious effects due the low genetic variability in small and isolated populations. The model showed itself suitable to describe changes in viability and population dynamics of the species crested capuchin considering critical levels of survival in a fragmented environment and also, actions in order to preserve the species should be focused not only on increasing available area but also in dispersion dynamics.