Abstract
The provision of novel objects allows one to probe for behavioural
differences among species. This is particularly relevant when studying
species that form mixed-species groups, as divergent responses may
provide clues to the advantages that individuals gain from associating.
We compared the responsiveness to novel objects in captive single- and
mixed-species groups of saddleback (Saguinus fuscicollis) and red-bellied (Saguinus labiatus)
tamarins to determine the influence of a congener. We tested groups
with novel objects placed near the top, the middle, and on the floor of
their enclosures and measured latency to approach and touch them. We
tested predictions related to differences in lifestyle patterns under
natural conditions. As we predicted, S.labiatus,
which usually occur at a higher mean height in the forest than their
congeners, responded to objects placed near the top of the enclosure
significantly quicker in both single- and mixed-species groups. S. fuscicollis responded to objects placed on the floor quicker, and in mixed-species groups S. fuscicollis approached them before S. labiatus did. There were specific differences in median touch–approach time (T-A): Saguinus fuscicollis had a shorter T-A time than that of S. labiatus,
which can be related to their manipulative foraging style. Reaction
times decreased in mixed-species trials for both species, suggesting
that the reaction of one species may effect the congener. Both species
may benefit through association, though the dominance of Saguinus labiatus over S. fuscicollis may limit the advantages to S. fuscicollis.
Over all our study supports the idea that cross-specific social
facilitation is an important consequence of mixed-species groups of Saguinus.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 629-648 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | International Journal of Primatology |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2000 |
Keywords
- Responsiveness
- Tamarin
- Saguinus
- Polyspecific association
- Cross-species
- Facilitation
- Social learning