Food patch structure and plant resource partitioning in interspecific associations of Amazonian tamarins

摘要: Avila-Pires’ saddle-back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis avilapiresi) and red-cap moustached (S. mystax pileatus), coexisting in highly stable mixed-species groups, overlapped considerably their use of plant food resources at an Amazonian terra firme forest site. Overlap between types consumed by the two species was particularly high during periods lowest fruit availability, when they resorted to a common supply, primarily pod exudates emergent legume trees (Parkia nitida andParkia pendula) nectar ofSymphonia globulifera. Within-group interspecific competition did not covary with independent measures resource contrary predictions based on partitioning models. A greater number both were able feed for longer patch residence within larger more productive patches, whereas small clumped patches could be monopolized socially numerically dominant physical exclusion smaller-bodied tamarins. Overall rates aggression extremely low, however, partly because that contributed minor proportion either species’ diet. Saddle-backs foraged lower levels understory encountered smaller often, higher middle canopy. Although led one another differently-sized initiated most feeding bouts significantly tended accommodate entire group. Disadvantages exploitative interference over resources, advantages shared knowledge are but component overall cost-benefit relationship associations