Infant cannibalism in wild white-faced capuchin monkeys
Mari Nishikawa1, Nuria Ferrero2, Saul Cheves2
1Department of Integrated Biosciences Graduate School of Frontier Sciences The University of Tokyo Kashiwa Chiba Japan.
Ecology and Evolution
|December 11, 2020
Summary
Cannibalism is rare in primates. This study documents the first observed instance in wild white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus imitator), involving an infant corpse consumed by an alpha female and a young male.
Area of Science:
- Primate behavior
- Ethology
- Zoology
Background:
- Cannibalism is infrequent in primate species.
- Case reports are crucial for understanding the contexts of primate cannibalism.
- White-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus imitator) are the focus of this study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first observation of cannibalism in a wild white-faced capuchin monkey group.
- To detail the circumstances and individuals involved in the cannibalistic event.
- To contribute data for evaluating adaptive explanations of cannibalism.
Main Methods:
- Observation of a wild group of white-faced capuchin monkeys.
- Documentation of a specific instance of corpse consumption.
- Behavioral analysis of group members' interactions with the corpse.
Main Results:
- The first recorded case of cannibalism in white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus imitator).
- An infant, likely a victim of infanticide, was consumed.
- Consumption was initiated by a juvenile male and monopolized by the alpha female.
Conclusions:
- Cannibalism appears to be a rare behavior in this population of white-faced capuchins.
- This observation provides valuable data for understanding primate cannibalism.
- Further research can use this case to explore evolutionary explanations for cannibalism.
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