Pitheciine Action Group
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.
Return to symposium programme
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.
Return to symposium programme
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SYMPOSIUM
Pitheciins: Ecology & Conservation
XXI Congress of the International Primatological Society
Pitheciins: Ecology & Conservation
XXI Congress of the International Primatological Society
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