Spatial Distribution and Exploitation of Trees Gouged by Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
alouatta-palliata; callitrichids; Exudativory; food resource distribution; GIS; group-size; home-range use; howler monkeys; Intergroup competition; japanese macaques; monkeys erythrocebus-patas; patch size; Renewable; Resource distribution; resources; social-organization; territorial defense; Zoology
Resource distribution shapes many aspects of primate behavioral ecology. Though the spatial patterning of fruits, leaves, and insects has been explored among primate foods, comparatively less is known about exudate distributions. Tree exudates are a renewable resource, provide long-term evidence of exploitation, and may be selectively exploited to manipulate spatial distribution. We assessed the spatial patterning of trees gouged by common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) to determine if they exhibit a uniform, random, or clumped distribution. We also asked whether marmosets selectively gouge trees in home range centers, which may afford them exclusive access to exudates. We explored whether spatial or physical characteristics of trees predict how intensely gouged trees were exploited. The mean nearest neighbor distance of gouged trees was significantly closer than expected for a random distribution and Ripley's K-function showed that gouged trees were clumped across all spatial scales in our study area. Clumping may enable marmosets to reduce day and home ranges and facilitate repeated gouging of trees. Gouged trees were not closer to marmosets' home range centers than peripheries, nor were centrally located trees more intensely gouged. Increased gouging intensity was associated with larger tree circumferences, although this effect was primarily driven by interspecific differences in circumference. Although marmosets may benefit from exploiting clumped exudates, they do not concentrate gouging in areas where they are more likely to gain exclusive access. Species-specific tree characteristics such as exudate quality and/or bark properties may play a larger role in determining gouging patterns than intergroup feeding competition.
Thompson C L; Robl N J; Melo L C; Valena-Montenegro M M; Valle Y B M; de Oliveira M A B; Vinyard C J
International Journal of Primatology
2013
2013-02
Journal Article
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-012-9647-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1007/s10764-012-9647-7</a>
Why are some species more commonly afflicted by arthritis than others? A comparative study of spondyloarthropathy in primates and carnivores
ankylosing spondylitis; arthritis; body size; carnivores; comparative study; disease; disease risk; Environmental Sciences & Ecology; Evolutionary Biology; extinction; Genetics &; gorilla-gorilla; group-size; Heredity; inflammatory arthritis; IUCN threat status; joint; museum specimens; population-density; primates; reactive arthritis; rheumatoid-arthritis; risk; spondyloarthropathy
Spondyloarthropathy is a painful arthritic affliction of humans that also occurs in wild mammals. Important questions remain concerning the underlying causes of spondyloarthropathy in mammals, particularly regarding whether it is infectious in origin or driven by genetic predisposition and environmental stressors. Moreover, spondyloarthropathy has negative effects on host fitness, leading to potential conservation concerns if it impacts threatened species. Using a comparative data set on the prevalence of joint disease in 34 primate species and 100 carnivore species, we tested predictions involving the epidemiological correlates of spondyloarthropathy in wild mammals. Analyses revealed that 5.6% of primates and 3.6% of carnivores exhibited signs of spondyloarthropathy, with maximum incidence as high as 22% in great apes and 27% in bears. We tested whether prevalence of spondyloarthropathy increases with population density and group size, greater contact with soil, a slower host life history, increased ranging, dietary factors and body mass. We found general support for an effect of body mass, with larger bodied primates and carnivores exhibiting a higher prevalence of spondyloarthropathy. In addition, more threatened species experienced higher rates of spondyloarthropathy, with this association influenced by body mass and phylogeny. The effect of body mass could reflect that larger animals are exposed to more pathogens through greater consumption of resources, or that joints of larger bodied mammals experience greater biomechanical stresses, resulting in inflammation and activation of local joint infections.
Nunn C L; Rothschild B; Gittleman J L
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
2007
2007-03
Journal Article
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1420-9101.2006.01276.x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1111/j.1420-9101.2006.01276.x</a>