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Echolocation in a Nocturnal Primate?
1Department of Anthropology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA, GURSKY@TAMU.EDU.
Folia Primatologica; International Journal of Primatology
|August 16, 2019
Summary
Gursky's spectral tarsiers may use ultrasonic calls for navigation. These high-frequency sounds, emitted before movement, suggest a role in spatial orientation, similar to echolocation in bats.
Area of Science:
- Primatology
- Bioacoustics
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Gursky's spectral tarsiers produce ultrasonic vocalizations.
- High-frequency sounds have limited travel distance, suggesting specialized functions.
- Potential functions include navigation or communication over short distances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of ultrasonic calls in Gursky's spectral tarsiers.
- To determine if these calls are used for navigation during locomotion.
- To analyze the types of ultrasonic calls emitted during different behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Field study conducted at Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Indonesia.
- Focal follows and ultrasonic vocalization recordings using a Wildlife Acoustics Ultrasonic Song Meter BAT3.
- Analysis of call timing relative to locomotor activity and behavioral context.
Main Results:
- Approximately 42% of ultrasonic calls preceded locomotor activity.
- Ultrasonic calls were significantly more frequent during locomotion than other behaviors.
- Specific call types (trills, frequency-modulated) were exclusively associated with locomotion, particularly leaping.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary evidence suggests Gursky's spectral tarsiers utilize ultrasonic calls for navigation.
- The findings contribute to understanding the evolution of echolocation in mammals.
- Further research on echolocation in non-bat primates is crucial.
