Spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi yucatanensis) travel patterns in a subtropical forest of Yucatan, Mexico
Abstract
A 12-month study of the ranging behaviour of 11 spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi
yucatanensis) was undertaken at the Otochma' ax Yetel Kooh nature reserve in the state
of Yucatan, Mexico. The aims were: 1) to evaluate the relationship between ranging
patterns of the monkeys and ecological features i.e. climate and food distribution, 2) to
assess the efficiency of ranging patterns, and 3) to test the hypothesis that spider monkeys
navigate between important sources through spatial memory of key locations. A focal
animal was followed daily for as long as possible and details of its ranging patterns
recorded by entering positional fixes with a GPS receiver. Behavioural states were
included in the observations to link them with the geographical information recorded
simultaneously. The results revealed that the ranging patterns of spider monkeys at the
study site were determined by the availability of key species of fruit in the area. Ranging
was efficient, as evidenced by the fact that in most instances - particularly in the dry
season when food was scarce - (1) spider monkeys moved in straight lines to distant food
sources, (2) were able to orient their movement toward a food source at distances that
could not have been in sight from the point where directed movement originated, and (3)
the successive organisation of these linear segments was consistently forward, suggesting
an ability to plan ahead of the next food source visited. I present these results as evidence
of the use of spatial memory to move efficiently between important sources in their
environment, and I argue in favour of higher-level spatial abilities in this species of New
World monkeys.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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