COMPORTAMIENTO ALIMENTARIO DE MONOS AULLADORES NEGROS (ALOUATTA PIGRA LAWRENCE, CEBIDAE) EN HÁBITAT FRAGMENTADO EN BALANCÁN, TABASCO, MÉXICO

This report is based on the feeding behavior of one black howler monkey troop (Alouatta pigra). Observations were made during an annual cycle (February 2002 to January 2003) in a highly fragmented habitat (0,164 ha) in the Leona Vicario ranch, Balancan, Tabasco, Mexico. The present study is the first systematic report for the state of Tabasco on the diet of this primate specie. By means of the Focal Animal method, behavioral observations of the activities of the troop (n=9, 3 AM, 2 AF, 2 J, 2 I) were recorded (n = 499 h), of which 19.6 % (96 h 55 min) were recorded developing feeding behavior. In the study area we recorded the consumption of 15 spp. (55.5 %) of a total of 27 plants species in the site. The number of species used per month varied from 5 to 12 (mean = nine species). The Young leaves and the mature fruits were the main vegetal parts consumed by the howlers (70.8 % and 11.4 % respectively). Between the different species consumed by the howlers, only few were preferred by the troop (X2= 25060, p>>0.001, gl =14) and these species had low densities in the study site (vgr. Andira inermis with 0,007 ind/ha). Under these disturbance conditions, howler’s consumption on different plant parts throughout the year shows us a high nutritional flexibility. This strategy allows the black howler monkeys to survive in the study site in the short term; nevertheless, it is very important to investigate the consequences population level in the future.Se informa sobre el comportamiento alimentario del mono aullador negro (Alouatta pigra Lawrence) durante un ciclo anual (Febrero 2002 a Enero 2003) en un remanente boscoso de 0.164 ha rodeado de potrero en la Ranchería Leona Vicario, Balancán, Tabasco, México. La presente investigación se constituye como el primer estudio sistemático para el estado de Tabasco sobre la dieta de esta especie. Mediante el método Animal Focal, se registraron observaciones conductuales (n= 499 h) de las actividades de una tropa de A. pigra (n= 9; 3 MA, 2 HA, 2 J, 2 In), de las cuales el 19.6 % (96 h 55 min) fueron dedicadas a la alimentación. En el área de estudio se registró el consumo de 15 spp. (55.5 %) de un total de 27 especies de plantas presentes en el área de estudio. El número de especies usadas por mes variaron desde 5 a 12 con un promedio de 9 especies. Las hojas jóvenes y los frutos maduros fueron las partes vegetales principales en la dieta de los monos aulladores y los porcentajes de uso fueron 70.8 % y 11.4 % respectivamente. Entre las diferentes especies de plantas consumidas por los aulladores, se mostró preferencia (X2= 25060, p>0.001, gl. =14) por algunas que se presentaban poco abundantes en el sitio de estudio (p.e. Andira inermes con 0.007 ind/ha). Bajo estas condiciones de perturbación, el consumo de diferentes especies vegetales, así como de sus diferentes partes a lo largo del año indica que los monos aulladores negros poseen una gran flexibilidad alimenticia que les ha permitido sobrevivir en el área de estudio. Sin embargo, se presenta como un reto el investigar la viabilidad poblacional de la especie en años futuros

Factors influencing terrestriality in primates of the Americas and Madagascar

Among mammals, the order Primates is exceptional in having a high taxonomic richness in which the taxa are arboreal, semiterrestrial, or terrestrial. Although habitual terrestriality is pervasive among the apes and African and Asian monkeys (catarrhines), it is largely absent among monkeys of the Americas (platyrrhines), as well as galagos, lemurs, and lorises (strepsirrhines), which are mostly arboreal. Numerous ecological drivers and species-specific factors are suggested to set the conditions for an evolutionary shift from arboreality to terrestriality, and current environmental conditions may provide analogous scenarios to those transitional periods. Therefore, we investigated predominantly arboreal, diurnal primate genera from the Americas and Madagascar that lack fully terrestrial taxa, to determine whether ecological drivers (habitat canopy cover, predation risk, maximum temperature, precipitation, primate species richness, human population density, and distance to roads) or species-specific traits (bodymass, group size, and degree of frugivory) associate with increased terrestriality. We collated 150,961 observation hours across 2,227 months from 47 species at 20 sites in Madagascar and 48 sites in the Americas. Multiple factors were associated with ground use in these otherwise arboreal species, including increased temperature, a decrease in canopy cover, a dietary shift away from frugivory, and larger group size. These factors mostly explain intraspecific differences in terrestriality. As humanity modifies habitats and causes climate change, our results suggest that species already inhabiting hot, sparsely canopied sites, and exhibiting more generalized diets, are more likely to shift toward greater ground use

Factors influencing terrestriality in primates of the Americas and Madagascar

Among mammals, the order Primates is exceptional in having a high taxonomic richness in which the taxa are arboreal, semiterrestrial, or terrestrial. Although habitual terrestriality is pervasive among the apes and African and Asian monkeys (catarrhines), it is largely absent among monkeys of the Americas (platyrrhines), as well as galagos, lemurs, and lorises (strepsirrhines), which are mostly arboreal. Numerous ecological drivers and species-specific factors are suggested to set the conditions for an evolutionary shift from arboreality to terrestriality, and current environmental conditions may provide analogous scenarios to those transitional periods. Therefore, we investigated predominantly arboreal, diurnal primate genera from the Americas and Madagascar that lack fully terrestrial taxa, to determine whether ecological drivers (habitat canopy cover, predation risk, maximum temperature, precipitation, primate species richness, human population density, and distance to roads) or species-specific traits (body mass, group size, and degree of frugivory) associate with increased terrestriality. We collated 150,961 observation hours across 2,227 months from 47 species at 20 sites in Madagascar and 48 sites in the Americas. Multiple factors were associated with ground use in these otherwise arboreal species, including increased temperature, a decrease in canopy cover, a dietary shift away from frugivory, and larger group size. These factors mostly explain intraspecific differences in terrestriality. As humanity modifies habitats and causes climate change, our results suggest that species already inhabiting hot, sparsely canopied sites, and exhibiting more generalized diets, are more likely to shift toward greater ground use

Terrestrial behavior in titi monkeys (Callicebus, Cheracebus, and Plecturocebus) : potential correlates, patterns, and differences between genera

For arboreal primates, ground use may increase dispersal opportunities, tolerance to habitat change, access to ground-based resources, and resilience to human disturbances, and so has conservation implications. We collated published and unpublished data from 86 studies across 65 localities to assess titi monkey (Callicebinae) terrestriality. We examined whether the frequency of terrestrial activity correlated with study duration (a proxy for sampling effort), rainfall level (a proxy for food availability seasonality), and forest height (a proxy for vertical niche dimension). Terrestrial activity was recorded frequently for Callicebus and Plecturocebus spp., but rarely for Cheracebus spp. Terrestrial resting, anti-predator behavior, geophagy, and playing frequencies in Callicebus and Plecturocebus spp., but feeding and moving differed. Callicebus spp. often ate or searched for new leaves terrestrially. Plecturocebus spp. descended primarily to ingest terrestrial invertebrates and soil. Study duration correlated positively and rainfall level negatively with terrestrial activity. Though differences in sampling effort and methods limited comparisons and interpretation, overall, titi monkeys commonly engaged in a variety of terrestrial activities. Terrestrial behavior in Callicebus and Plecturocebus capacities may bolster resistance to habitat fragmentation. However, it is uncertain if the low frequency of terrestriality recorded for Cheracebus spp. is a genus-specific trait associated with a more basal phylogenetic position, or because studies of this genus occurred in pristine habitats. Observations of terrestrial behavior increased with increasing sampling effort and decreasing food availability. Overall, we found a high frequency of terrestrial behavior in titi monkeys, unlike that observed in other pitheciids

An important new record of Military Macaw, Ara militaris (Linnaeus, 1766) (Psittacidae), in Santo Domingo Narro, Oaxaca, Mexico

Military Macaw, Ara militaris (Linnaeus, 1766), is in danger of extinction in Mexico and Vulnerable internationally. We recorded a new locality with a notable presence of this species and identified its nocturnal resting site by the Tehuantepec River, near the community of Santo Domingo Narro in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. We discuss the importance of considering this population as different from those previously identified in Oaxaca state and discuss the threats to this species’ conservation and implications for its survival at Santo Domingo Narro and in the region

Registro del capuchino tricolor (Lonchura malacca) en Huixtla, Chiapas, México

Presentamos el primer registro del capuchino tricolor (Lonchura malacca) en el estado de Chiapas, con lo cual suman ya tres los estados con avistamientos de esta especie exótica en México. Los reportes previos de avistamiento de L. malacca en el país han sido en Yucatán, en 1993, y Quintana Roo, en 2004. El presente registro sugiere una posible ampliación en la distribución de L. malacca en México

Anotações sobre a ecologia alimentar de bugios num fragmento superlotado (Balancán, Tabasco, México).

We described the feeding behavior of Central-American black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra) in a fragment of less than one hectare of humid evergreen forest surrounded by grassland for livestock use, isolated trees and mango orchards, in the region of Balancán (Tabasco, México). Objective: To record the diet and activity of black howler monkeys in crowded conditions during the wettest month in Balancán (Tabasco, México). Methods: The behavioral observations (81 h) were made using the focal animal methodology with an A. pigra troop made up of three individuals (1 adult male, 1 adult female and 1 infant). Results: Feeding time represented 15.97%, rest 78% and locomotion 4.57% of total time. In the study area we recorded 14 plant species, with 10 being consumed by howler monkeys. 55% of feeding time was devoted to the consumption of fruits, 27% to leaves, 17% to stems, and 1% to sprouts. Spondias mombin was the tree species most consumed, with 61% of the time invested on it. Conclusion: Like other studies, we confirmed the frugivore-folivore feeding tendency of the genus Alouatta. We provide information on the black howler monkey flexibility to live and maintain themselves in extreme perturbation conditions, where their habitat is 0.1 ha with few tree species to use, forcing individuals to move around the ground. Key words: Alouatta pigra, diet, pattern of activity, frugivory, fragmented habitatSe describió el comportamiento de alimentación del mono aullador negro centroamericano (Alouatta pigra) en un fragmento de menos de una hectárea de selva húmeda perennifolia rodeada de pastizales de uso ganadero, árboles dispersos y huertos de mango en la región de Balancán (Tabasco, México). Objetivo: Reportar la dieta y actividad del mono aullador negro en condiciones de hacinamiento durante el mes más lluvioso en Balancán, Tabasco, México. Materiales y Métodos: Las observaciones conductuales (81 h) se hicieron mediante la metodología animal focal de una tropa de A. pigra constituida por tres individuos (1 macho adulto, 1 hembra adulta y 1 infante). Resultados: Del tiempo total de observación, la alimentación representó el 15.97%, el descanso el 78% y la locomoción el 4. 57%. En el área de estudio se registraron 14 especies de plantas de las cuales 10 fueron consumidas  por los monos aulladores. El 55% del tiempo de alimentación fue invertido al consumo de frutos,  27% a las hojas, 17% al tallo y 1% a los retoños. La especie de árbol más consumida fue Spondias mombin, con el 61% del tiempo invertido. Conclusión: Al igual que otros estudios se confirmó la tendencia alimentaria folívoro-frugívora del género Alouatta. Se provee información sobre la flexibilidad que tienen los monos aulladores negros para vivir y mantenerse en condiciones de extrema perturbación donde su hábitat es de 0.1 ha con pocas especies de árboles para utilizar. Obligando además a los individuos a hacer uso del suelo para trasladarse.Palabras clave: Alouatta pigra, dieta, patrón de actividad, frugivoría, hábitat fragmentado  Descreve-se o comportamento alimentar do bugio centro-americano (Alouatta pigra) num fragmento menor que 1 ha de floresta úmida perenifólia rodeada por pastos para uso do gado, árvores dispersas e pomares de manga na região de Balacán (Tabasco, México). Objetivo: Registrar a dieta e atividade do bugio em condições de superlotação durante o mês mais chuvoso em Balacán, Tabasco, México. Materiais e Métodos: As observações de comportamento (81 h) se fizeram por abordagem animal focal de um grupo de A. pigra constituído por três indivíduos (um macho adulto, uma fêmea adulta e um infante). Resultados: Do tempo total de observação, a alimentação representou 15,97%, o descanso 78% e a locomoção 4,57%. Na área de estudo se registraram 14 espécies de plantas das quais 10 foram consumidas pelos bugios. O 55% do tempo de alimentação foi gasto para o consumo de frutas, 27% ​​às folhas, 17% ao caule e 1% aos brotos. A espécie de árvores mais consumida foi Spondias mombin, com 61% do tempo investido. Conclusão: Assim como outros estudos confirma-se a tendência alimentaria folívora-frugívora do gênero Alouatta. Fornece-se informação sobre a flexibilidade que têm os bugios para viver e ficar em condições de extrema perturbação, onde seu habitat é de 0,1 ha com poucas espécies de árvores para seu uso. Forçando, além disso, aos indivíduos a usar o terreno para se deslocar. Palavras-chave: Alouatta pigra, dieta, padrão de atividade, frugivoria, habitat fragmentad

Anotaciones de la ecología alimentaria de monos aulladores negros en un fragmento con condiciones de hacinamiento (Balancán, Tabasco, México)

Annotations on the feeding ecology of black howler monkeys in an overcrowded fragment in Balancán, Tabasco, México. Wedescribed the feeding behavior of Central-American black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra) in a fragment of less than one hectare ofhumid evergreen forest surrounded by grassland for livestock use, isolated trees and mango orchards, in the region of Balancán (Tabasco,México). Objective: To record the diet and activity of black howler monkeys in crowded conditions during the wettest month in Balancán(Tabasco, México). Methods and methods: The behavioral observations (81 h) were made using the focal animal methodology withan A. pigra troop made up of three individuals (1 adult male, 1 adult female and 1 infant). Results: Feeding time represented 15.97%,rest 78% and locomotion 4.57% of total time. In the study area we recorded 14 plant species, with 10 being consumed by howlermonkeys. 55% of feeding time was devoted to the consumption of fruits, 27% to leaves, 17% to stems, and 1% to sprouts. Spondiasmombin was the tree species most consumed, with 61% of the time invested on it. Conclusion: Like other studies, we confirmed thefrugivore-folivore feeding tendency of the genus Alouatta. We provide information on the black howler monkey flexibility to live andmaintain themselves in extreme perturbation conditions, where their habitat is 0.1 ha with few tree species to use, forcing individualsto move around the ground

Anotações sobre a ecologia alimentar de bugios num fragmento superlotado (Balancán, Tabasco, México).

We described the feeding behavior of Central-American black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra) in a fragment of less than one hectare of humid evergreen forest surrounded by grassland for livestock use, isolated trees and mango orchards, in the region of Balancán (Tabasco, México). Objective: To record the diet and activity of black howler monkeys in crowded conditions during the wettest month in Balancán (Tabasco, México). Methods: The behavioral observations (81 h) were made using the focal animal methodology with an A. pigra troop made up of three individuals (1 adult male, 1 adult female and 1 infant). Results: Feeding time represented 15.97%, rest 78% and locomotion 4.57% of total time. In the study area we recorded 14 plant species, with 10 being consumed by howler monkeys. 55% of feeding time was devoted to the consumption of fruits, 27% to leaves, 17% to stems, and 1% to sprouts. Spondias mombin was the tree species most consumed, with 61% of the time invested on it. Conclusion: Like other studies, we confirmed the frugivore-folivore feeding tendency of the genus Alouatta. We provide information on the black howler monkey flexibility to live and maintain themselves in extreme perturbation conditions, where their habitat is 0.1 ha with few tree species to use, forcing individuals to move around the ground. Key words: Alouatta pigra, diet, pattern of activity, frugivory, fragmented habitatSe describió el comportamiento de alimentación del mono aullador negro centroamericano (Alouatta pigra) en un fragmento de menos de una hectárea de selva húmeda perennifolia rodeada de pastizales de uso ganadero, árboles dispersos y huertos de mango en la región de Balancán (Tabasco, México). Objetivo: Reportar la dieta y actividad del mono aullador negro en condiciones de hacinamiento durante el mes más lluvioso en Balancán, Tabasco, México. Materiales y Métodos: Las observaciones conductuales (81 h) se hicieron mediante la metodología animal focal de una tropa de A. pigra constituida por tres individuos (1 macho adulto, 1 hembra adulta y 1 infante). Resultados: Del tiempo total de observación, la alimentación representó el 15.97%, el descanso el 78% y la locomoción el 4. 57%. En el área de estudio se registraron 14 especies de plantas de las cuales 10 fueron consumidas  por los monos aulladores. El 55% del tiempo de alimentación fue invertido al consumo de frutos,  27% a las hojas, 17% al tallo y 1% a los retoños. La especie de árbol más consumida fue Spondias mombin, con el 61% del tiempo invertido. Conclusión: Al igual que otros estudios se confirmó la tendencia alimentaria folívoro-frugívora del género Alouatta. Se provee información sobre la flexibilidad que tienen los monos aulladores negros para vivir y mantenerse en condiciones de extrema perturbación donde su hábitat es de 0.1 ha con pocas especies de árboles para utilizar. Obligando además a los individuos a hacer uso del suelo para trasladarse.Palabras clave: Alouatta pigra, dieta, patrón de actividad, frugivoría, hábitat fragmentado  Descreve-se o comportamento alimentar do bugio centro-americano (Alouatta pigra) num fragmento menor que 1 ha de floresta úmida perenifólia rodeada por pastos para uso do gado, árvores dispersas e pomares de manga na região de Balacán (Tabasco, México). Objetivo: Registrar a dieta e atividade do bugio em condições de superlotação durante o mês mais chuvoso em Balacán, Tabasco, México. Materiais e Métodos: As observações de comportamento (81 h) se fizeram por abordagem animal focal de um grupo de A. pigra constituído por três indivíduos (um macho adulto, uma fêmea adulta e um infante). Resultados: Do tempo total de observação, a alimentação representou 15,97%, o descanso 78% e a locomoção 4,57%. Na área de estudo se registraram 14 espécies de plantas das quais 10 foram consumidas pelos bugios. O 55% do tempo de alimentação foi gasto para o consumo de frutas, 27% ​​às folhas, 17% ao caule e 1% aos brotos. A espécie de árvores mais consumida foi Spondias mombin, com 61% do tempo investido. Conclusão: Assim como outros estudos confirma-se a tendência alimentaria folívora-frugívora do gênero Alouatta. Fornece-se informação sobre a flexibilidade que têm os bugios para viver e ficar em condições de extrema perturbação, onde seu habitat é de 0,1 ha com poucas espécies de árvores para seu uso. Forçando, além disso, aos indivíduos a usar o terreno para se deslocar. Palavras-chave: Alouatta pigra, dieta, padrão de atividade, frugivoria, habitat fragmentad