Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 3, Issue 9, Part 3

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Special Topic: Intern Caroline
Complete Capuchin: Chapter 9. Engaging the world. Exploration and problem solving.

Miranda and Viola examine

the inside of a fig

Capuchin monkeys are initially interested in opening up, getting inside, taking apart and also the altering of objects and surfaces. Capuchins in captive situations especially enjoy manipulation, since constant tampering with objects can take an entertaining or exploratory tone. It often appears that the monkey is trying out new actions for the pleasure of mastering something. This can be seen when giving the capuchins at PPS a lilikoi fruit filled with sunflower seeds (with only a small hole to get the seeds out). The capuchins begin biting at the fruit and sticking their fingers inside and sometimes even throwing the fruit to get the seeds out.

A study also showed that capuchin monkeys (of all ages) frequently splashed water out of a pan and often would throw bits of straw or food into the pan, then scoop them out, and repeat the process. We see this at the Sanctuary when Prospero soaks his bread repeatedly in water before eating it, or Viola dips her tail or hand in the water dish to drink or splash the water. These behaviors illustrate the remarkable ways capuchin monkeys use their hands, tail and feet, and the innovative techniques with which they explore their world and solve problems.

-Fragaszy, D.M., Visalberghi, E., Fedigan, L.M. (2004) The Complete Capuchin: The Biology of the Genus Cebus. UK. Cambridge University Press


Special Topic: Extern Dawn
Chapter 11: Immaturity in spider monkeys

Play is a very important part of life for primates, a critical factor in the socialization process. Primates are noted for their long period of immaturity; in fact, the length of this period relative to the total life span is the most unusual aspect of growth and development in non-human primates.

Those primates with the largest relative brain sizes appear to have the longest juvenile periods, and spider monkeys exemplify this trend as anyone who has met PPS spider monkeys, Carlos and Montana will confirm. An invitation to play may consist of the shaking of a tree, or in our case, a red bucket and this will be followed by lots of excitement, backing up and racing forward until the invitee reciprocates.

Interesting to note, the feeding behavior of the spider monkey suggests that some chemical components in fruits interact with their chemosensory receptors to permit them to gauge these foods in terms of dietary quality. In view of this, their preference for certain fruits should be taken very seriously as Carlos and Montana, do in fact know best!

Males are more gregarious then females and preferentially seek out the company of other males as they mature, directing most of their aggression toward females, so if you ever get concerned that our guys are in need of the fairer sex, think again. They are quite happy and content, even though with those beautiful blue eyes, the girls are really missing out!

Spider monkeys brothers, Carlos and Montana, Hugging

-Campbell, Christina J. Spider Monkeys: The Biology, Behaviour, and Ecology of the Genus Ateles (Cambridge Studies in Biological and Evolutionary Anthropology). UK. Cambridge University Press. 2008.



Special Topic: Intern Linda
Marmosets and Tamarins Chapter 1: Systematics, Distribution and Conservation

This chapter introduces the species taxonomy, location and status. Different species are characterized by behavior, dental morphology, and immunology. Here at the sanctuary there are three different species of marmosets and two different species of tamarins. The table below summarizes each species’ common name, location, and conservation status.

-Rylands, A.B. Marmosets and Tamarins. Systematics, Behavior, and Ecology. Oxford, U.K.: Oxford University Press, 1993.

Callithrix Kuhlii, Father and Son at PPS

“…the natural world is in a real crisis situation, but there are all around the planet extraordinary people who are absolutely determined that certain animal species or plants or ecosystems shall be helped to restore themselves.” -Jane Goodall


We hope you have enjoyed this issue of Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s E-Newsletter. Thank you for your support of our life saving work. Because of compassionate people, the Sanctuary can continue to provide a place of peace and happiness for 73 primates saved from research laboratories, animal dealers, and smugglers. Here they can heal, form families, and live free from exploitation.

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