Owl Monkeys (Aotinae)

Abstract

The New World subfamily Aotinae consists of the genus Aotus , commonly called owl monkeys. The genus includes 11 species, which range over a variety of forest habitats, from Panama to northern Argentina. Owl monkeys are the only nocturnal anthropoids: all species display either nocturnal or cathemeral activity patterns, and their level of nocturnal activity is influenced by the amount of moonlight. All species are small‐bodied, arboreal, and lack prominent sexual dimorphism. Two aspects of owl monkey behavior make them relatively unique among primates: they are socially monogamous and exhibit intensive paternal care. All species live in small social groups of two to six individuals, which occupy a home range that includes a core area of exclusive use.

Chemical composition of glandular secretions from a pair‐living monogamous primate: Sex, age, and gland differences in captive and wild owl monkeys (Aotus spp.)

“…In addition to testing these four predictions, we also evaluated other variables not directly related to our hypothesis that may influence odor. First, given the differences in the frequency of scent‐marking between the glands (Corley, Spence‐Aizenberg, & Fernandez‐Duque, in prep.; Spence‐Aizenberg, Williams, & Fernandez‐Duque, submitted.; Wolovich & Evans, ), the appearance of the glandular secretions from these glands (Spence‐Aizenberg et al, unpublished data) and the chemical differences of gland type found in ring‐tailed lemurs (Scordato & Drea, ), we evaluated whether secretions originating from the subcaudal and pectoral gland could be discriminated statistically. Additionally, we examined whether individuals could be statistically discriminated by location within the colony given some differences between colony rooms in the ambient environment or diet.…”

Intergroup encounters in pair‐living primates: Comparative analysis and a case study of pair‐living and monogamous owl monkeys (Aotus azarae) of Argentina

“…Azara's owl monkey groups are territorial, and, in Formosa, they actively defend their year‐round stable home ranges that vary between 4 and 10 ha. When males and females become subadults they disperse from their natal groups and become solitary floater individuals (Corley & Fernandez‐Duque, 2023; Corley, 2017; Fernandez‐Duque, 2009; Huck & Fernandez‐Duque, 2023). These floaters range without a fixed territory over the home ranges of established groups for a variable period and, in our population, we estimated the presence of two to five floaters for every 10 groups (Huck & Fernandez‐Duque, 2017).…”