Abstract
Self-anointing behaviour using Bauhinia sp. was reported in two captive titi monkeys (Callicebus coimbrai and Callicebus barbarabrownae). The study was carried out from October 2013 to May 2014 during an experimental study investigating the gut passage time of these individuals at the Getúlio Vargas Zoobotanical Park, north-eastern Brazil. Although leaves, petioles and flowers of Bauhinia contain chemical substances that could affect the presence of ectoparasites, it is unclear if titi monkeys demonstrate self-anointing behaviour as a method of self-medication. However, due to the presence of large glands in C. coimbrai and C. barbarabrownae chests, and the high frequency of occurrence observed for the adult male, we cautiously suggest that the use of Bauhinia may be linked to olfactory communication.
Highlights
Non-human animals have been found to self-medicate or to scent-mark most commonly through self-anointing, furrubbing and scent-rubbing behaviours in order to alleviate or to control illnesses (Rodriguez and Wrangham, 1993) commonly caused by leaves and/or invertebrates
Our results are discussed in the light of self-medication and olfactory communication hypotheses
Dry trunks placed on the ground, a pot with fresh water replaced daily and two plant species were (Eugenia uniflora, Myrtaceae; and Bauhinia sp.) added to the enclosure
Summary
Non-human animals have been found to self-medicate or to scent-mark most commonly through self-anointing, furrubbing and scent-rubbing behaviours in order to alleviate or to control illnesses (Rodriguez and Wrangham, 1993) commonly caused by leaves and/or invertebrates (i.e. zoopharmacognosy). The plant parts causing the production of saliva, possibly indicating a medicinal function; or (ii) they may only bite and squeeze the plants without the formation of saliva, demonstrating a social function (Baker, 1996; Huffman, 2011) This behaviour may occur in three ways: (i) when only one individual rubs a substance on itself to reach specific body regions (chest rubbing and muzzle rubbing); (ii) socially, when individuals rub their bodies against those of other members of the group in order to cover their whole body with the substance in question (Lynch-Alfaro et al, 2012); and (iii) when they rub substances on scent glands found on their bodies (Campbell, 2000). Our results are discussed in the light of self-medication and olfactory communication hypotheses
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