Abstract
We compare the nature of capuchin-coati interactions by Cebus apella in 2 populations under semifree-ranging and wild conditions. We report a similar pattern of interaction at both sites, in spite of their ecological differences. Most frequent capuchin behaviors toward coatis were agonistic, but we noted no predation. Contrarily, the monkeys also exhibited nonagonistic behaviors, such as play and grooming. As tufted capuchins predate other mammalian species, and as the subjects were aggressive towards competitor species, showing their belligerent temperament, we believe the lack of predation can be attributed to 2 different ecological contigencies – the absence of coati pups in a period of food shortage, and the cost of dealing with a dangerous adult coati where other rich resources were available–and also, perhaps, to different traditions in capuchin behavior towards coatis, established via intraspecific social learning.
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de Resende, B.D., Mannu, M., Izar, P. et al. Interaction Between Capuchins and Coatis: Nonagonistic Behaviors and Lack of Predation. International Journal of Primatology 25, 1213–1224 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:IJOP.0000043959.12073.bc
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:IJOP.0000043959.12073.bc