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Edge effects and social behavior in three platyrrhines
Laura M Bolt1,2, Jenna L Owens2,3, Madison Taylor Grant2,4
1Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada.
American Journal of Primatology
|February 24, 2024
Summary
Primates in human-impacted forests show varied social behavior changes. Spider and capuchin monkeys altered social interactions at forest edges, while howler monkeys did not, indicating species-specific adaptations to habitat disturbance.
Area of Science:
- Primatology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Social behavior is crucial for primate survival in groups.
- Understanding primate responses to human disturbance is vital for conservation.
- Anthropogenic impacts on forest ecosystems can alter primate social dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in social behavior rates and types in three platyrrhine species.
- To compare social behavior between forest edge and interior zones in a fragmented landscape.
- To evaluate the impact of anthropogenic disturbance on primate sociality at La Suerte Biological Research Station (LSBRS).
Main Methods:
- Conducted instantaneous focal sampling of spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi), capuchin monkeys (Cebus imitator), and howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata).
- Collected 1341 hours of observational data between 2017 and 2023.
- Analyzed social behavior across 100m anthropogenic edge and interior forest zones.
Main Results:
- Spider monkeys exhibited lower rates of social behavior in forest edge zones compared to interior zones.
- Capuchin monkeys displayed different types of social behaviors in forest edge zones versus interior zones.
- Howler monkeys showed no significant modification in social behavior between forest edge and interior zones.
Conclusions:
- Two of the three studied platyrrhine species (spider and capuchin monkeys) demonstrated behavioral adjustments to anthropogenic edges.
- Howler monkeys did not alter their social behavior, suggesting varying species-specific resilience or adaptation strategies.
- Findings highlight the nuanced impact of human-altered habitats on primate social behavior, with implications for conservation planning.
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