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Census and preliminary observations on the ecology of the black‐faced black spider monkey ( Ateles paniscus chamek ) in Manu National Park, Peru
Author(s) -
White Frances
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
american journal of primatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.988
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1098-2345
pISSN - 0275-2565
DOI - 10.1002/ajp.1350110205
Subject(s) - spider , national park , pan paniscus , biological dispersal , geography , census , ecology , biology , habitat , demography , zoology , sociology , population
The black‐faced black spider monkey, Ateles paniscus chamek , was studied at Cocha Cashu, Manu National Park, Peru, from June to August 1982. The density of independently locomoting individuals was found to be 31/km 2 , and the average party size was 3.15. Data on age and sex compositions of parties, activity patterns, and diet composition are presented. The spider monkeys spend approximately 30% of observed time feeding, 44% resting, and 25% moving. They ate 80% fruit and 17% new leaves. Spider monkeys appear to be important seed dispersers. The best dispersal observed was for fruits with few, relatively large seeds. A rough day‐range of 2,400 m was estimated from measured travel times and distances. The social system of Ateles is discussed.