The special role of male Cebus monkeys in predation avoidance and its effect on group composition

摘要: Vigilance behavior, predator detection abilities, and responses to real model predators were studied in two species of capuchin monkeys (Cebus albifrons C. apella) a Peruvian lowland rain forest. Adult males more vigilant than adult females both species, mainly because the spent less time feeding foraging partly they at periphery often females. The increased vigilance is reflected their superior performance (model) predators. subadult also far likely approach mob Adults that outside center group activities but cut back an feeding, much which was done exposed tree crowns. Current theory suggests primate groups are multi-male when single male unable defend sexual access In these small groups, multimale, enhanced safety young provided by extra furnishes plausible explanation. A comparison capuchins with ecologically similar Southeast Asian Macaca fascicularis high predation risk may have caused unusual career profile capuchins, long tenure dominants very potential lifespan. Further predictions this hypothesis developed.