9_Veiga-Port

SIMPÓSIO
Pitecíneos: Ecologia & Conservação
XXI Congress of the International
Primatological Society

Variability in Pitheciine Social Organization
Veiga, L.M., M. Bowler, E. Cunningham, A. Di Fiore & E. Fernandez-Duque

The three pitheciin genera vary in social organization but share some common elements. Here, we
compare recent data from field studies to document the range of variation seen in pitheciin social
structure and explore potential socioecological causes and consequences. Pithecia, the least specialized
for seed predation, is characterized by small family groups, which vary in size from 2 to 9 individuals.
Male-female, possibly monogamous, pairs are most common, but solitary individuals and small
muitimale-multifemale associations have been observed. Intragroup rates of aggression are low, but
intergroup agonism has been observed in both Pithecia pithecia and Pithecia aequatorialis. Cacajao and
Chiropotes, the most closely related genera, share similar social structures, living in large
muitimale-multifemale groups and fission-fusion sociality. In Cacajao calvus ucayalii, for example, groups
of over 100 animals are common and may persist for several days. Groups commonly separate into
much smaller units during foraging. Breeding is seasonal, conducted discreetly, and pair formation may
take place. All-male groups often occur on the periphery of large groups. In Chiropotes satanas, the
spatio-temporal distribution of resources appears to determine fluid grouping patterns, leading to
groups varying in size from 3 to 39 individuals. Low levels of aggression and a high degree of male
affiliation characterize intragroup relations. We discuss here how phylogenetic history and
socioecological pressures may influence pitheciin social structures.

voltar a programação do simpósio

Above: male bearded saki (Chiropotes satanas)
Photo: Liza M. Veiga