Primates cognitive maps: analysis of movements and routes of Cebus nigritus based on geographic information system / Mapas cognitivos de primatas: análise de movimentos e rotas de Cebus nigritus apoiada por sistemas de informação geográfica

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2009

RESUMO

Capuchin monkeys are remarkable for their flexible foraging behavior, occupying environments with diverse characteristics, and, because of these elements they have the largest geographic distribution among the New World primates. They have skills such as tool use and spatial recognition of their home range when searching for food, relying on both egocentric and allocentric orientation systems. However, studies about the orientation systems of these animals in the wild, with naturalistic observation, are rare. Because of the adaptive convergence and phylogenetic similarities to humans, mainly with regards to behavioral variability linked to the diversity of occupied environments, research on Cebus nigritus spatial cognition are required and important to investigate whether the behavioral flexibility of these primates is also observed in terms of their spatial orientation skills. The goal of this study was to contribute to the comprehension of the orientation systems that may be involved when the capuchin monkeys build their routes. The subjects of this study are wild capuchin monkeys (Cebus nigritus), living as a group, in the Atlantic Forest, in the Carlos Botelho State Park (PECB), southern portion of the State of Sao Paulo (Brazil). The capuchin monkeys were followed during consecutive days totaling 100 days (2006, 2007, and 2008) and their movements were registered as points of geographic coordinates with the use of GPS. The routes were then mapped and analyzed with the support of geographic information systems (ArcView 9.2 and 9.3). The routes were analyzed in topographic maps and three-dimensional models. Multiple analyses, supported by geographic information systems, were developed to verify if the animals move according to a system of network routes; if they increase their moving speed when closer to a source of food or sleeping site (evidence of spatial memory); if they use a more linear path, when closer to a source of food or sleeping site (evidence of allocentric orientation). Findings suggest that capuchin monkeys living in PECB do not move based on a system of network routes and do move faster and more linearly to know sources of food, suggesting that they have memory of the location of such sources. In half of the cases, the animals reach the sources of food using shortcuts, suggesting the use of an allocentric orientation mechanism.

ASSUNTO(S)

comportamento animal geographic information system cebus nigritus cebus nigritus animal behavior spatial orientation orientação espacial macacos-prego capuchins monkeys sistemas de informação geográfica

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