Abstract

SAMPAIO, Ricardo et al. Social behavior adaptations in agroup of black-and-gold howler monkeys (Alouattta caraya; Primates, Atelidae) inside an urban forest in the southeast of Brazil. Curr. Ethol. [online]. 2016, vol.15, n.2, pp.1-15. ISSN 2594-9985.

Primates of the Alouatta genus arefolivore - frugivore, resulting in a strategy of reduced energy expenditure, and the spatial relationships between these animals may constitutean important indication of how they establish their social organization. This study aimed to evaluatethe social behaviorof a group of black-and-gold howler monkeys (Alouata caraya) in an urban forest (3 ha) located in Ribeirão Preto (21º10'17" S and 47º48'05" W; São Paulo, Brazil). Thisgroup was organized in a harem systemthat faced instability,although during the study an age-graded system seems to have been stablished in the group. Amatrifocal subgroup was located in the center of the group and a male coalition was located in its periphery. However, this setting changed over the year. Few agonistic episodes were observed (2),and the inter-individual competition seemed reduced due to the high availability of fruit. This study providesimportant information about the plasticity in the social behavior of black-and-gold howler monkeys under the influence of anthropic actionand isolation of habitat.

Keywords : Black howler monkey; urban forest; Alouatta caraya; social interaction.

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