Synchronization of weaning time with peak fruit availability in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri collinsi) living in Amazonian Brazil

Abstract

Many mammals coincide their reproductive activities with factors such as ambient temperature, rainfall and food availability. In primates that invest immediate food intake into reproduction, the periods of maximum fruit production often coincide with the peak of lactation (to maximize maternal survival) or the occurrence of weaning (to maximize infant survival). This study investigates the relationship between reproductive periods and the availability of ripe fruit in the habitat of a population of wild squirrel monkeys (Saimiri collinsi) in Amazonian

Seasonal behavioral patterns of the Caquetá titi monkey (Plecturocebus caquetensis)

“…For example, the scarcity of resources can cause an increase in travel distances or reduce dietary breadth and time of social interactions (Hemingway and Bynum 2005). Primate studies show that environmental and ecological conditions influence dietary composition (Stevenson 2006;Nagy-R and Setz 2017), habitat use (Setz et al 2013), social activity (Toro et al 2020), and reproduction (Stone and Ruivo 2020;Heldstab et al 2020). For example, saki monkeys (Pithecia pithecia) increase feeding time in the dry season, when their preferred food ítems -as immature seeds-are more abundant (Norconk 1996).…”

“…Another study shows how increasing availability of food can increase the time invested in social interactions, such as play or grooming in young howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata Mexicana) (Toro et al 2020). The reproduction of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri collinsi) coincides with suitable environmental conditions and peak food availability of the Amazon Forest, in a way that increases infant survival (Stone and Ruivo 2020). Understanding feeding habits and the spatiotemporal availability of the preferred food items can help predict the impact of climate change and habitat loss on a given species.…”

“…2013), social activity (Toro et al . 2020), and reproduction (Stone and Ruivo 2020; Heldstab et al . 2020).…”

“…2020). The reproduction of squirrel monkeys ( Saimiri collinsi) coincides with suitable environmental conditions and peak food availability of the Amazon Forest, in a way that increases infant survival (Stone and Ruivo 2020). Understanding feeding habits and the spatiotemporal availability of the preferred food items can help predict the impact of climate change and habitat loss on a given species.…”

A 24-Year Record of Female Reproductive Dynamics in Two Sympatric Mouse Lemur Species in Northwestern Madagascar

“…The main proximate trigger of seasonal reproduction is day length (i.e., photoperiod) (Perret & Aujard, 2001). Nonetheless, some reproductive variation can be explained by changes in environmental factors, such as climate (temperature, rainfall) or resource availability, or by internal factors such as body condition and age (Brockman & van Schaik, 2005;Ellis et al, 2021;Fernandez-Duque et al, 2002;Huang et al, 2012;Savini et al, 2008;Stone & Ruivo, 2020).…”