Nutritional benefits ofcrematogaster mimosaeants andacacia drepanolobiumgum for patas monkeys and vervets in laikipia, Kenya

Abstract

Patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) are midsized primates that feed extensively on the gum of Acacia drepanolobium and the ants are housed in swollen thorns of this Acacia. Their diet resembles that expected more of smaller bodied primates. Patas monkeys are also more like smaller bodied primates in reproducing at high rates. We sought to better understand the convergence of patas monkeys with smaller bodied primates by comparing their feeding behavior on ants and gum with that of closely related, sympatric vervets (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), and analyzing the nutrient content of the gum of A. drepanolobium and of Crematogaster mimosae, the most common ant species eaten by patas monkeys in Laikipia, Kenya. All occurrences of feeding and moving during focal animal sampling revealed that 1) patas monkeys seek A. drepanolobium gum but vervets avoid it; 2) both species open swollen thorns most often in the morning when antsare less active; 3) patas monkeys continually feed onswollen thorns and gum while moving quickly throughout the day, whereas vervets reduce their consumption of these items and their travel rate at mid-day, and; 4) vervets eat young swollen thorns at a higher rate than patas monkeys. Patas monkeys are able to spend little time acquiring substantial amounts of energy, protein, and minerals from A. drepanolobium gum and C. mimosae ants each day. These findings, when coupled with evidence of causes of infant and adult female mortality, suggest that reproductive success of female patas monkeys is more immediately affected by illness, disease, interactions between adults and infants, and access to water than by food.

The effects of relative food item size on optimal tooth cusp sharpness during brittle food item processing

“…For example, patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas), chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and gorillas (Gorilla gorilla, Gorilla beringei) are all known to eat ants [29] but they vary greatly in tooth size [30,31]. Ants are larger relative to tooth size for Erythrocebus than for either Pan or Gorilla.…”

<b>The relationship between artificial food supply and natural food selection in two troops of commensal Hamadryas Baboons <I>Papio hamadryas</I> (Mammalia: Primates: Cercopithecidae) in Saudi Arabia</b>

“…For example, the baboons appear to depend on natural foods for protein. Fresh grass and herb shoots are likely rich in protein, as are Acacia fruits and flowers, fruits, and leaves of Juniperus and Ficus, all preferred foods by the Baboons (Hausfater & Bearce 1975;Wrangham & Waterman 1981;Isbell et al 2012;Rothman et al 2012). Natural foods may also provide baboons with many kinds of minerals, vitamins, and sometimes medicinal chemicals (Hausfater & Bearce 1975;Wrangham & Waterman 1981;Isbell et al 2012;Rothman et al 2012).…”

“…This characteristic hamadryas habitat is much harsher than that typical of most primates in the tropics; Hamadryas Baboons have been able to cope with the limited food availability throughout their range by employing large home ranges and long daily paths, as well as by altering group size in response to different levels of food availability (Kummer 1968;Swedell 2006;Mori et al 2007;Schreier & Swedell 2009, 2012a. In these environments, they particularly require foods containing low fiber and high soluble carbohydrates (Hausfater & Bearce 1975;Wrangham & Waterman 1981;Isbell et al 2012;Rothman et al 2012). It is likely that the Saudi Arabian Hamadryas Baboons discovered that artificial foods provide them with ready energy, providing another means to overcome the low abundance of food resources in typical hamadryas habitat.…”

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“…A lowfat (LF), mayonnaise containing polysaccharide gum has developed gum of Acacia drepanolobium and Crematogaster mimosa. [6] Similarly, xanthan gum 15 g/kg, citrus fiber 100 g/kg, and variable concentration of guar gum (GG) were used to formulate the optimum ratios of polysaccharide gums as fat replacers. The fat content in LF mayonnaise was reduced to 50% if compared with full-fat mayonnaise, and the products still maintained ideal rheological properties.…”

“…[28] Locust bean gum and GG mixing in sago starch increase thermal and rheological properties. [29] Gum of Acacia is a good source of energy, protein, and minerals and is utilized by patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) midsized primates [6] while Cassia gum is used as a stabilizer (thickening and gelling agent) in the manufacture of canned pet foods (for cats and dogs). Cassia gum is generally recognized as safe under conditions of its intended use as a thickening agent in human and pet foods.…”