Terrestrial behavior in titi monkeys (Callicebus, Cheracebus, and Plecturocebus) : potential correlates, patterns, and differences between genera

Souza-Alves, JP; Young, RJ; Barnett, AA

Abstract

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 We collated published and unpublished data from 86 studies across 65 localities to assess titi monkey (Callicebinae) terrestriality.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.

Citation

Souza-Alves, J., Young, R., & Barnett, A. (2019). Terrestrial behavior in titi monkeys (Callicebus, Cheracebus, and Plecturocebus) : potential correlates, patterns, and differences between genera. International Journal of Primatology, 40, 553-572. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-019-00105-x

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 9, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Aug 30, 2019
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2019
• Deposit Date: Oct 30, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 30, 2020
• Journal: International Journal of Primatology
• Print ISSN: 0164-0291
• Electronic ISSN: 1573-8604
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Volume: 40
• Pages: 553-572
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-019-00105-x
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-019-00105-x
• Related Public URLs: https://link.springer.com/journal/10764
• Additional Information: Access Information : This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in International Journal of Primatology. The final authenticated version is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10764-019-00105-x