Abstract
Examining interactions among sympatric primate species can provide interesting information about competition, cooperation, and avoidance between those species. Those interactions can be neutral, positive, or negative for the species involved. Capuchin monkeys are medium-sized primates that can encounter both larger and smaller primates in their varied habitats. Gracile capuchins (Cebus) are reported to present different types of interactions with other primates. Interactions with howler monkeys frequently include physical aggression, while interactions with spider monkeys are mostly threats and chases. Moreover, interaction types are not consistent across populations. Among robust capuchins (Sapajus spp.), however, no reports have been published. Here we describe and classify encounters of Sapajus libidinosus and S. nigritus with Alouatta caraya, A. guariba, Brachyteles arachnoides, and Callithrix jacchus in three sites in the environments of Cerrado, Caatinga (savannah-like), and Atlantic forest, and compare the interaction patterns among sites and different group sizes. The latter is a factor that can influence the outcome, and we expected capuchins in larger groups to be more aggressive toward other primates. Our results of 8421 h of total contact with the capuchin groups show that, indeed, capuchins in sites with larger groups presented aggressive interactions with higher frequency. However, the other species’ body size also seems important as smaller primates apparently avoided capuchins, and interactions with the larger muriquis were mostly neutral for the capuchin. Capuchins showed neutral or aggressive behaviors toward howler monkeys, with differences between the rainforest and savannah groups. We found that robust capuchins can present aggressive interactions even to primates larger than themselves and that aggressive behavior was the most common response in populations living in larger groups and drier environments.
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Acknowledgements
T.F. and E.B.O. thank FUMDHAM and Niede Guidon for their support during the research in SCNP, and the field assistants Francisco “Chico” Reinaldo and George Reinaldo. M.V. and O.M.F. thank the Oliveira family for permission to work at FBV, and their field assistants Arisomar, Josemar, Renato, Marcos, and Marino Junior. M.D.F. thank director Maia and Instituto Florestal, to allow the research at PECB. We also thank Patricia Izar for support during the research in PECB and FBV and comments on the manuscript; and Eraldo Vieira and several interns by the assistance on the field work. Finally, we thank the comments and suggestions by two anonymous reviewers. The following grants supported this study: 2006/07187-5, 2013/05219-0, 2018/01292-9 (T.F.), 2006/07190-6, 2014/04818-0 (E.B.O.), 2006/51578-9 (M.P.V.), 2009/50182-2 (M.T.), 2008/52293- (O.M.F.), and 2008/55684-3, 2009/51589-9 (Patrícia Izar), São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP); CNPq (140651/2010-1, 381215/201-9, M.D.F.); Capes (E.B.O., M.P.V., O.M.F.). The research was only observational and complied with protocols approved by the Animal Research Ethical Committee of the Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, and fully adhered to Brazilian law under authorizations IBAMA/ICMBio 14825-1, 37615-2, 59019-1 (T.F.), 21406 (O.M.F.), 28689 (M.P.V.).
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Falótico, T., Mendonça-Furtado, O., Fogaça, M.D. et al. Wild robust capuchin monkey interactions with sympatric primates. Primates 62, 659–666 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10329-021-00913-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10329-021-00913-x