Unusual behavioral responses of the south american coati (Nasua nasua) to the hooded capuchin (Sapajus cay) in the paraguayan upper Paraná Atlantic Forest

Abstract

In eastern Paraguay, the South American coati Nasua nasua and hooded capuchin Sapajus cay are sympatric across most of their range. Both species are diurnal, arboreal, omnivorous mammals and have similar diets consisting of fleshy fruits and insects and are therefore potential competitors. In this article, we report three observations of unusual behavioral responses of coatis to the presence of hooded capuchins. On two occasions groups of coatis elected to show avoidance behavior by hiding from capuchin groups, despite the much closer proximity of human observers. On another occasion coatis and capuchins were seen to feed side by side in a fruit tree without antagonism for over half an hour. We also review the literature to begin the process of identifying the factors that may influence the frequency and outcome of such encounters.