Diet for a Small Primate: Insectivory and Gummivory in the (Large) Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas pyrrhonotus)

摘要: A 17 month field study of unprovisioned patas monkeys (Erythrocebus pyrrhonotus) in Laikipia, Kenya, using both ad libitum and scan sampling techniques, revealed that the diet consists primarily gum Acacia drepanolobium, arthropods (both free-living concentrated swollen thorns A. drepanolobium), other animals. This type is normally found only smaller-bodied primates. Results from vegetational transects suggest larger-bodied monkey can subsist on such a because are relatively easily their habitat, thereby minimizing search time. Patas also spend more time moving less feeding (while not moving) than Old World The characteristic long limbs may have evolved response to small, nonusurpable, widely distributed foods, which access foods maximized while energy spent terrestrial travel between food sites minimized.