Impactos da interação humana na alimentação de macacos-prego (Sapajus spp.): uma revisão bibliográfica

Abstract

The increasing presence of capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.) in urban and tourist environments has led to frequent interactions with humans, resulting in significant changes to their natural feeding behavior. Addressing this issue, the present study aims to analyze the impacts of human-primate interactions on the dietary habits of capuchin monkeys, with an emphasis on the replacement of natural foods with anthropogenic items. A qualitative literature review was conducted based on scientific articles published between 2000 and 2024, retrieved via Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria focused on studies reporting dietary changes in Sapajus spp due to human contact in urban, rural, or tourist settings. The analysis revealed a recurring pattern of dietary shifts linked to both direct and indirect food provisioning, including the consumption of snacks, sweets, and human waste. Observed effects include nutritional deficiencies, obesity, metabolic disorders, and behavioral changes such as loss of foraging skills and increased food dependency. Variations in impact were found to correlate with levels of urbanization, interaction frequency, and environmental structure, with the most severe effects occurring in densely populated or tourist-heavy areas. These findings highlight the urgent need for management strategies aimed at reducing food provisioning and preserving the species' natural behaviors. It is concluded that frequent human interactions alter the diet of capuchin monkeys and compromise their health, ecological role, and well-being, underscoring the importance of public policies and educational actions that promote balanced coexistence between humans and wildlife.