Crying tapir: the functionality of errors and accuracy in predator recognition in two neotropical high-canopy...

Area of Science:

• Primate behavior
• Evolutionary biology
• Ecology

Background:

• Predation significantly influences primate evolution, yet direct observations of antipredator responses are scarce.
• Vigilance and avoidance behaviors are costly for time-limited primates, necessitating discerning predator recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify primate antipredator behaviors in response to various vertebrates.
• To investigate the recognition of predators and pseudopredators by high-canopy primates.
• To assess the impact of perceived predation risk on primate behavior.

Main Methods:

• Two independent field studies observed predator-linked behaviors in Ateles belzebuth and Cacajao ouakary over 14 and 19 months, respectively.
• Primate encounters with non-primate vertebrates were recorded, noting frequency, nature, and duration of responses.
• The concept of 'pseudopredators' was introduced to analyze erroneous antipredator reactions.

Main Results:

• Both primate species demonstrated the ability to differentiate between predators and non-predators.
• Primates distinguished immediate threats from non-immediate threats posed by potential predators.
• Erroneous responses to pseudopredators occurred in approximately 20% of reactions to other vertebrates.

Conclusions:

• Primate antipredator strategies involve nuanced recognition of predation risk.
• Mistakenly reacting to pseudopredators highlights a potential vulnerability in predator detection systems.
• Understanding these responses is critical, as a single error in predator encounters can be fatal.