Ateles Paniscus Research Articles

Food Competition and Foraging Party Size in the Black Spider Monkey (Ateles Paniscus Chamek)

AbstractIn Ateles, individuals forage for fruit in subgroups of unstable membership. The size and composition of these foraging parties are highly variable. Data from my long-term field study of a population of black spider monkeys in Peru show a strong positive correlation between the average size of these parties and the number and size of trees currently producing fruit in the environment. This correlation appears to be driven by intragroup feeding competition, since individuals in larger parties showed substantially lowered feeding efficiencies, as measured by increased daily ranges and decreased time spent feeding. Patch size and patch density, which jointly determine fruit abundance, interact to determine foraging party size, apparently by the following mechanism. The number of spider monkeys that can feed within a particular patch is limited by the size of that patch. When patches are close together (i. e. high patch density) individuals in excess of this limit are able to feed in nearby patches and thus maintain contact with the other members of their foraging party. When patch density is low, the increased travel costs associated with such a strategy become prohibitive and foraging parties are smaller than or equal to the number of individuals able to feed within a single patch. Females that are routinely excluded from the best feeding sites may have reduced reproductive success because of their low priority of access to resources. These data provide a quantitative link between two ecological variables (resource patch size and density) and fission-fusion social organization in the spider monkey.

Primate populations in continuous forest and forest fragments in Central Amazonia

Population densities of six primate species (Saguinus midas, Pithecia pithecia, Cebus apella, Chiropotes satanas, Alouatta seniculus and Ateles paniscus) were estimated in continuous forest and in isolated reserves (one of 100 ha and four of 10 ha). Saguinusdensities in the continuous forest were found to be low, probably due to the lack of edge habitat and second growth favoured by them; Pithecia, Cebus and Ateles populations are also low, possibly because of more widely distributed and/or less abundant food sources than is true for other Amazonian regions, although hunting in the past, particularly of Ateles may also be a contributing factor; and Chiropotes and Alouatta densities were found to be similar to those observed in other areas of Amazonas forests. Ateles and Chiropotes, which occupy ranges on the order of three km2 were excluded from the 100-ka reserve at the time of its isolation. Unfortunately populations were not known prior to isolation of this reserve but during isolation there remained four groups of Saguinus, two Pitheciagroups, one Cebus groups and five Alouatta groups. One Saguinus group disappeared two months later, and one year post-isolation the Cebus group also left the reserve. Single Alouatta groups survive in the isolated 10-ha reserves. Saguinus, present in the four 10-ha reserves following isolation, have disappeared from two of them. One 10-ha reserve retains a group of Pithecia.

Demography, ranging patterns, and activity budgets of black spider monkeys (Ateles paniscus chamek) in the Manu National Park, Peru.

Results of a long-term field study on the ecology and social organization of two groups of black spider monkeys (Ateles paniscus chamek) in Peru are reported. Demography, ranging patterns, and activity budgets provide insight into some of the proximate determinants of fission-fusion social organization in this species and illustrate the different strategies used by males and females to gain access to critical resources. Longitudinal data on known individuals provide evidence for male natal philopatry and female emigration at sexual maturity in this population. Interbirth intervals are long (mean = 34.5 months) in comparison with most other primate species, and 5 of 15 infants seen within a few days of birth died or disappeared before they were a year old. Home ranges are large (150-250 ha) and fairly discrete; overlap with neighboring groups is on the order of 10-15%. Males and females differed substantially in their ranging patterns; females, particularly those with infants, restricted much of their ranging to a "core area" 20-33% the size of the total group range, whereas males ranged more evenly over the entire area occupied by the group. Daily path length varied over almost an order of magnitude from 465 m to 4,070 m, with a mean of 1977 m. Males spent more time traveling and less time feeding than most females. These results are compared with those obtained in previous studies of Ateles and with similar data from other primate species to assess their implications for the evolution of fission-fusion sociality in spider monkeys. The ecological factors responsible for the evolution of very similar social organizations in spider monkeys and chimpanzees are discussed.

Sex ratio and maternal rank in wild spider monkeys: when daughters disperse

Data from a long-term field study of the spider monkey, Ateles paniscus, in Peru indicate that a strongly female-biased sex ratio exists from birth in this population. Of 46 infants born between July 1981 and June 1986, 12 were male, 32 were female and 2 were of undetermined sex. This effect is consistent between years as well, with more females than males born in each year of the study (Table 1). This bias is driven by the fact that low-ranking females produce daughters almost exclusively, while high-ranking females bias their investment somewhat less strongly towards sons (Table 2). The unusual pattern of female-biased maternal investment observed in this population of Ateles probably occurs for a combination of the following reasons: (1) maternal investment in individual male offspring is somewhat greater than in individual female offspring; (2) males remain with their natal groups, and the sons of high-ranking females are likely to be competitively superior to the sons of low-ranking females; (3) males compete for mates, and only the one or two most dominant males within a community are likely to achieve significant reproductive success. Two possible mechanisms of sex-ratio adjustment and the evidence for each are discussed.

Rapport préliminaire sur les singes de la région montagneuse de Huanchaca, Bolivie

Primate censuses were conducted along transects (450 and 1100 m) in forests at Huanchaca (Bolivia) during the months of August and September 1986. As yet, relatively little information is available for primate populations in Bolivia and this is the first report on eastern populations. Average group sizes determined were: 12.8 ± 5.1 for the spider monkey Ateles paniscus (n = 11), 16.2 ± 7.6 for the capuchin monkey Cebus apella (n = 9) and 9.5 for the marmoset Callithrix argentata melanura (n = 2). Population densities determined were: 84.5 individuals/km2 for Ateles paniscus and 38.9 individuals/km2 for Cebus apella. The presence of Alouatta caraya and Aotus azarae was also indicated by their vocalizations, but no counts were possible. This forest area is as yet relatively intact, as indicated by the unusually high densities of spider monkeys in comparison with other neotropical forest areas, but impending schemes to exploit these forests and to construct roads in the region represent a threat to the primate populations and their environment.

Census and preliminary observations on the ecology of the black-faced black spider monkey (Ateles paniscus chamek) in Manu National Park, Peru.

The black-faced black spider monkey, Ateles paniscus chamek, was studied at Cocha Cashu, Manu National Park, Peru, from June to August 1982. The density of independently locomoting individuals was found to be 31/km2, and the average party size was 3.15. Data on age and sex compositions of parties, activity patterns, and diet composition are presented. The spider monkeys spend approximately 30% of observed time feeding, 44% resting, and 25% moving. They ate 80% fruit and 17% new leaves. Spider monkeys appear to be important seed dispersers. The best dispersal observed was for fruits with few, relatively large seeds. A rough day-range of 2,400 m was estimated from measured travel times and distances. The social system of Ateles is discussed.

Habitat preferences, diet, feeding strategy and social organization of the black spider monkey [Ateles paniscus paniscus Linnaeus 1758] in Surinam

A Socioecological Field Study. This monograph reports on a 26 month socioecological study of black spider monkeys (Ateles paniscus paniscus)in the Raleigh-vallen — Voltzberg Nature Reserve, Surinam. It recognizes the fundamental importance of food to the behavior and the regulation of population density fox this primate. It clarifies the complex temporal and spatial effects of tropical rain forest food sources on the behavior of a group of spider monkeys, concentrating on food category, food plant identity and phenology, and quantity, density and dispersion of the most important food sources. In addition, the present study describes habitat choice, optimal feeding strategy and sexual behavior of the spider monkey, and discusses implications of diet for social behavior. This study is also fundamental to conservation. Specialized in eating mature fruits, the spider monkey is a very important dispersal agent for many trees and lianes, particularly canopy species. However, the spider monkey is probably the most vulnerable monkey species in Surinam and it is disappearing rapidly throughout the remainder of its range. Unfortunately, it is large and noisy and can be easily tracked and hunted. It is largely restricted to undisturbed high forest, and consequently habitat destruction has more effect on it than on most other species. Together with its slow reproductive rate (a female gives birth only once every four or five years), this means that the species is poorly adapted to recover from exploitation. In order to implement proper measures for conservation, data on forest type preferences, diet and social behavior of the species, or on closely related species, in undisturbed areas, such as the one described in this monograph, are essential tools for assessing the potential of proposed protected areas.

Non-Flying Mammals as Pollinating Agents in the Amazonian Forest

Non-Flying Mammals as Pollinating Agents in the Amazonian Forest

Locomotor behavior, body size, and comparative ecology of seven Surinam monkeys

AbstractThe locomotor behavior, of seven sympatric species of New World monkeys—Saguinus midas midas, Saimiri sciureus, Pithecia pithecia, Chiropotes satanas chiropotes, Cebus apella apella, Alouatta seniculus, and Ateles paniscus panisus—was studied at the Raleighvallen‐Voltzberg Nature Reserve in Central Surinam. This paper examines the way in which locomotor behavior is related to body size and to ecological parameters such as forest stratification, forest type, and diet.Locomotor behavior is clearly related to the size of the species; with increasing size, the amount of climbing increases and the amount of leaping decreases. In general, larger monkeys use larger arboreal supports; however, Saguinus midas midas uses relatively larger, and Ateles paniscus paniscus relatively smaller supports than expected from body size alone.Leaping is associated with use of the forest understory and with use of liane forest. Other types of locomotion are associated with main canopy use in a variety of forest types.There are no consistent associations between diet and either locomotor behavior or forest utilization; rather, monkeys with similar diets show locomotor and habitat differentiation.

Locomotion and posture in Ateles geoffroyi and Ateles paniscus.

The locomotor and postural behavior of Ateles geoffroyi and Ateles paniscus was studied in Panama and Surinam. Ateles locomotion can be divided into five patterns on the basis of limb usage: quadrupedal walking and running, suspensory locomotion, climbing, bipedalism and leaping. The first three are commonly used in both locomotion during travel and locomotion during feeding, but climbing (especially 'horizontal climbing') is the most important pattern during feeding. Most Ateles locomotion takes place on twigs and branches, with twigs playing a greater role in feeding than in travel. Feeding postures are mainly suspensory and seated, short resting postures are suspensory, seated and standing, and long resting postures are almost entirely seated and reclining. Twigs are the most important supports in feeding postures, but branches are much more important in resting postures. The results of this study indicate that the quadrumanous climbing, forelimb-dominated locomotion during feeding that FLEAGLE considers the primary hominoid adaptation is also characteristic of Ateles.

Laboratory and feral hybridization ofAteles geoffroyi panamensis Kellogg and Goldman 1944 andA. fusciceps robustus Allen 1914 in Panama

A viable, male progeny resulted from a two-year captive pairing of a male red spider monkey (A. g. panamensis) and a female black spider monkey (A. f. robustus). While the pelage colorations of the parental species are distinctive, the offspring was intermediate in appearance during maturation. Such hybridization apparently occurs naturally in Panama; two feral spider monkeys, captured from an area of sympatry in the Province of Panama east of the Canal Zone, were characteristic of the laboratory cross.

Communication mechanisms and social integration in the black spider monkey, Ateles fusciceps robustus, and related species

Communication mechanisms and social integration in the black spider monkey, Ateles fusciceps robustus, and related species

The prevalence of trypanosomes and microfilariae in Panamanian monkeys.

A total of 3,523 wild caught monkeys from Panama was examined for blood parasites from August 1968 through June 1972. Trypanosomes or microfilariae were observed in the blood of 31.1% of the monkeys. Mixed infections, with microfilariae and trypanosomes, were detected in 6.6% of the animals. Trypanosoma cruzi was found in marmosets. Saguinus geoffroyi (12.2%), in white-faced capuchins, Cebus capucinus (5.0%), in squirrel monkeys, Saimiri sciureus (1.7%) and in black spider monkeys, Ateles fusciceps (1.2%). Trypanosoma rangeli was found in S. geoffroyi (55.8%) and C. capucinus (12.5%). Other trypanosomes found in Panamanian monkeys included T. minasense, and T. mycetae. Saguinus geoffroyi showed the highest infection rate (88.9%) with trypanosomes and/or microfilariae; trypanosomes were seen in 68.1%, and microfilariae in 73.0%, of the animals examined. The marmosets, white-faced capuchins, and squirrel monkeys should be considered as significant hosts of T. cruzi in sylvatic habitats and may serve as reservoir hosts of Chagas' disease in Panama. The microfilariae seen in monkeys from Panama were tentatively identified as larval forms of Dipetalonema gracile in Aotus trivirgatus; D. obtusa in C. capucinus and S. geoffroyi; and D. marmosetae in Alowatta villosa, C. capucinus, A. trivirgatus, S. sciureus, A. fusciceps, and S. geoffroyi.

On the Muscular Composition of Lower Extremities of Apes Based on the Relative Weight

Characteristics of the muscular composition of the lower extremities of apes were made clear by comparison of relative weights of the lower extremities among several species of primates including man, and the significance of the characteristics was discussed.As materials, 10 specis, totalling 77 animals, were used: chimpazee, orang-utan, white handed gibbon, great siamang, hanuman langur, dusky lutong, wooly monkey, black spider monkey, Formosan monkey and Japanese monkey.To elucidate intra-species variation, many Japanese monkeys containing fetuses were examined. Adult Japanese monkeys do not show any remarkable individual, bilateral nor sexual differences. The relative weights of hip and thigh regions of fetus and infant are smaller than those of adult. While the relative weights of leg and foot are larger than those of adult. However, the differences in age are smaller than the differences between two species which have different locomotion pattern.In quadrupedal monkey including Japanese monkeys, the relative weight of biceps femoris, which is two joint muscle, is remarkably large, while in man, the bipedalist, biceps femoris is small and gluteus maximus, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis and soleus, which are one joint muscles, are large.As to apes, chimpanzees, gibbons and gorillas have small biceps femoris like man, and their gluteus maximus, vastus medialis and vastus intermedius, which are one joint muscles, are relatively larger than those of quadrupeds. The orang-utan has larger leg and foot muscles than do other species, but the relative weights of their muscles show the medium value between other apes and quadruped monkeys.The above characteristics of muscular compsition of apes are further discussed in comparison with the muscle actions clarified by EMG studies. This revealed that the muscular composition of apes are more similar to that of man which takes erect bipedalism than to that of quadrupeds.

Infections of Plasmodium vivax in Saguinus geoffroyi.

SYNOPSIS Panamanian marmosets Saguinus geoffroyi can be infected with Plasmodium vivax. Infections resulting from inoculation of vivax blood from man are generally low‐grade but, in many cases, significant infections result from the inoculation of blood from experimentally infected monkeys. Nine of 29 marmosets were infected from man; 9 of 25 from the night monkey Aotus trivirgatus; 13 of 31 from other Panamanian marmosets; and 1 of 1 from a black spider monkey Ateles fusciceps. Average maximum parasitemias for the 4 donor species were, respectively; 2,320; 24,410; 19,380; and 12,160 per cmm. Splenectomy, administration of Imuran, and a combination of splenectomy and administration of Imuran conditioned Panamanian marmosets for infection. Significant parasitemias resulted from infections with the Emperador, Santa Rosa 1, and Achiote strains of vivax malaria. The Emperador strain was passed serially thru 3 marmoset‐to‐marmoset passages.

Septic embolic actinobacillosis. A report of 2 cases in New World monkeys.

Infection with Actinobacillus equuli occurred in a squirrel monkey ( Saimiri sciureus) and a spider monkey ( Ateles paniscus). The disease in monkeys, characterized by widespread bacterial embolism and embolic suppurative nephritis, was similar to the disease caused by A. equuli in foals.

The structure and biosynthesis of hemoglobins A and A2 in the new world primate Ateles paniscus: a preliminary account.

The structure and biosynthesis of hemoglobins A and A2 in the new world primate Ateles paniscus: a preliminary account.

Sporozoite transmission of Plasmodium vivax to Panamanian primates.

Anopheles albimanus mosquitoes transmitted blood-induced Plasmodium vivax infection from three night monkeys, Aotus trivirgatus, to three other night monkeys and to a Panamanian marmoset, Saguinus geoffroyi. Mosquito-transmissions of the malaria also were successful from one black spider monkey, Ateles fusciceps, to two other black spider monkeys. Prepatent periods ranged from 14 to 29 days and patent periods from 19 to 37 days. Plasmodium vivax in S. geoffroyi developed less than 10 parasites per cmm in contrast to maxima of 42,850 and 8,390 per cmm in A. trivirgatus and A. fusciceps on primary infection. Relapse occurred in one A. trivirgatus and in one A. fusciceps after subpatent intervals of 27 and 4 days. The relapse infections were patent for 29 and 24 days and reached maxima of 15,420 and 15,470 parasites per cmm. Mosquitoes were infected from feeding upon each A. trivirgatus and one A. fusciceps. This report of mosquito-transmissions of P. vivax infection to Panamanian primates appears to be the first of sporozoite-induced human malaria in monkeys.

Prevalence of Malaria in Panamanian Primates

Over a 35-year period, 1,994 Panamian primates representing seven species have been examined for malaria at the Gorgas Memorial Laboratory. Plasmodium brasilianum was the only species found. The prevalence rates for the various species were: Ateles geoffroyi (30.3%), A. fusciceps (10.6%), Alouatta villosa (4.0%), and Cebus capucinus (2.2%). No infections were found in Saimiri iierstedii, Aotus trivirgatus, and Saguinus geoffroyi. Malaria in primates has interested workers at Gorgas Memorial Laboratory for the past 35 years. Clark (1930, 1931) surveyed Panamanian primates for malaria and other parasites. Clark and Dunn (1931) reported an attempt to transfer the malaria parasite of Ateles geoffroyi to man. Taliaferro and Taliaferro (1934a, b, c, 1944) and Taliaferro and Kluver (1940a, b) studied Plasmodium brasilianum in Panamanian primates. Taliaferro and Taliaferro (1934d) and Taliaferro and Cannon (1934) attempted the transmission of P. falciparum to the Panamanian howler monkey (Alouatta villosa). Since these early reports, much additional information has been obtained. Nearly 2,000 Panamanian primates have been examined on receipt at the laboratory from 1931 to 1957 and during the past year. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the information on the prevalence of malaria in these animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS Records kept at the laboratory include information on species, geographic origin, age, and sex of the primate. Primates examined were Ateles fusciceps (black spider monkey), Ateles geoffroyi (red spider monkey), Cebus capucinus (whiteface monkey), Alouatta villosa (black howler monkey), Saimiri oerstedii (squirrel monkey), Aotus trivirgatus (night monkey), and Saguinus geoffroyi (titi marmoset). Weight was the principal factor used in separating infants from juveniles. One thousand grams was used as a separation weight for Ateles and Alouatta, 750 g for Cebus, 300 g for Saimiri and Aotus, and 200 g for Saguinus. Juveniles were separated from adults by lack of sexual maturity. Received for publication 27 April 1966. * During the past year, these studies have been supported in part by the United States Army Medical Research and Development Command, grant DA-MD-49-193-65-G-165. Until last year, all primates entering Gorgas Memorial Laboratory were examined on at least 5 consecutive weekdays for malaria parasites and monthly thereafter. In most cases, the initial period of five daily examinations now is followed by weekly examinations. Thick blood films are made, stained with Giemsa, and examined microscopically.

On Some Filarial Parasites of South American Primates, with a Description ofTetrapetalonema tamarinaen.sp. from the Peruvian Tamarin Marmoset,Tamarinus nigricollis(Spix, 1823)

1. The results of a survey of 194 Peruvian and Colombian primates for filarial infections are presented. Nine genera and 14 species of marmosets and monkeys are represented in the survey. A blood film survey revealed microfilariae in 82, of 42% of the animals. Adult worms were recovered from 21 of 61 dissected animals. The 209 adult worms belong to four species:Dipetalonema gracile, Dipetalonema caudispina, Tetrapetalonema marmosetae, andTetrapetalonema tamarinae, a new species.2. New host records forDipetalonema gracile are: Tamarinus nigricollis, Cebus albifrons, andSaimiri boliviensis. Saimiri boliviensisis a new host forDipetalonema caudispina. New hosts forTetrapetalonema marmosetaeare:Oedipomidas oedipus, Saimiri sciurea, S. boliviensis, andAteles paniscus.3. The adult worms and microfilaria of a new species of filarial worm,Teirapetalonema tamarinae, are described from a Peruvian tamarin marmoset,Tamarinus nigricollis.