Dispersal patterns in sympatric woolly and spider monkeys: integrating molecular and observational data

摘要: Dispersal is a behavioral process that shuffles genes across the physical and social landscapes. Analysis of how genetic variation structured hierarchically among males versus females can provide insights into underlying dispersal processes, even when direct observations events are lacking, but application these techniques in primate studies has been limited. We investigated patterns two South American primates — woolly spider monkeys using combination multilocus genotype data from > 150 animals sampled at sites Amazonian Ecuador opportunistic field shed light on likely events. Molecular analyses revealed considerable gene flow by females, substantial male-mediated was also detected, particularly for monkeys. In both taxa, extent population differentiation between study greater than indicating more restricted historically. Additionally, one group monkeys, average relatedness adult significantly consistent with strong male philopatry, assignment tests likewise suggest female-biased dispersal. However, another all groups monkey surveyed were not observed. Our molecular results concordant immigrations female disappearances (likely emigrations) involving species, multiple sightings solitary small bachelor as well specific histories few individuals discernable through longitudinal sampling. Overall, demonstrate utility approaches to studying complement observational studies, further evaluation needed.