Terrestrial Behavior in Titi Monkeys (Callicebus, Cheracebus, and Plecturocebus): Potential Correlates, Patterns, and Differences between Genera
For arboreal primates, ground use may increase dispersal opportunities, tolerance to habitat change, access to ground-based resources, and resilience to human disturbances, and so has conservation implications. We collated published and unpublished data from 86 studies across 65 localities to assess...
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Published in: | International journal of primatology Vol. 40; no. 4-5; pp. 553 - 572 |
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Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
Format: | Journal Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
New York
Springer US
01-10-2019
Springer Nature B.V |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | For arboreal primates, ground use may increase dispersal opportunities, tolerance to habitat change, access to ground-based resources, and resilience to human disturbances, and so has conservation implications. We collated published and unpublished data from 86 studies across 65 localities to assess titi monkey (Callicebinae) terrestriality. We examined whether the frequency of terrestrial activity correlated with study duration (a proxy for sampling effort), rainfall level (a proxy for food availability seasonality), and forest height (a proxy for vertical niche dimension). Terrestrial activity was recorded frequently for
Callicebus
and
Plecturocebus
spp., but rarely for
Cheracebus
spp. Terrestrial resting, anti-predator behavior, geophagy, and playing frequencies in
Callicebus
and
Plecturocebus
spp., but feeding and moving differed.
Callicebus
spp. often ate or searched for new leaves terrestrially.
Plecturocebus
spp. descended primarily to ingest terrestrial invertebrates and soil. Study duration correlated positively and rainfall level negatively with terrestrial activity. Though differences in sampling effort and methods limited comparisons and interpretation, overall, titi monkeys commonly engaged in a variety of terrestrial activities. Terrestrial behavior in
Callicebus
and
Plecturocebus
capacities may bolster resistance to habitat fragmentation. However, it is uncertain if the low frequency of terrestriality recorded for
Cheracebus
spp. is a genus-specific trait associated with a more basal phylogenetic position, or because studies of this genus occurred in pristine habitats. Observations of terrestrial behavior increased with increasing sampling effort and decreasing food availability. Overall, we found a high frequency of terrestrial behavior in titi monkeys, unlike that observed in other pitheciids. |
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ISSN: | 0164-0291 1573-8604 |
DOI: | 10.1007/s10764-019-00105-x |