Anti-predator behavior of Coimbra-Filho’s titi monkeys (Callicebus coimbrai)

Abstract

Predation pressure has an important role in shaping the behavioral, ecological and social patterns of primates. In this study, we describe two types of anti-predator behavior performed by Coimbra-Filho’s titi monkeys (Callicebus coimbrai), and compare our reports with the anti-predator strategies adopted by other Neotropical primates. The reports were performed on a small and isolated Atlantic forest fragment (14 ha) located in a highly-fragmented landscape in north-eastern Brazil. Although the titi monkey group was systematically monitored (July/2009 - August/2012: 1,513 hours) over the years, the events were recorded ab libitum method. Four events of anti-predator behavior were reported: three were in response to a medium-sized arboreal primate, the yellow-breasted capuchin monkey (Sapajus xanthosternos), and one in response to a large bird, the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura). When in the presence of S. xanthosternos, the titi monkeys emitted a quiet alert vocalization and descended to the dense undergrowth in order to avoid predation. On the other hand, when the titi monkeys were exploiting fleshy fruit on a tree, they verified the presence of an individual of C. aura and jumped to the ground. Both types of anti-predator behavior had been previously described for Neotropical primates. The anti-predator behaviors performed by the titi monkeys can contribute to the understanding of the adaptive processes of these poorly studied primates in fragmented habitats. Moreover, the passive behavior and the habitat characteristics may be an important aspect in the choice of strategy to be used, since the habitat pro- vided adequate refuges and allowed the titi monkeys to seek an alternative escape route.