Abstract
The geographical distributions of the tamarins Saguinus mystax, S. imperator and S. lahiatus do not overlap, but each of these species is sympatric with S. fuscicollis, and
mixed-species associations are formed. One way to examine the costs and
benefits of association is to compare mixed-species tamarin groups and
single-species tamarin groups in the field. However, the stability and
permanency of Saguinus associations mainly preclude such
opportunities and comparisons between single- and mixed-species groups
from different sites are confounded by a number of factors. However,
predictions derived from field observations can be tested in captivity
under controlled experimental conditions. In this paper, we evaluate the
usefulness of testing hypotheses in captivity and describe an
experimental study of vigilance in which the behaviour of single-species
groups and mixed-species groups of S. fuscicollis weddelli and S. I. lahiatus was
compared in order to determine the influence of each species on the
other. The results demonstrate that the patterns of vigilance are both
different and complementary. As such, they provide support for improved
detection of predators as being one advantage of forming mixed-species
groups. The discussion focuses on how the combined approach of
systematic testing of hypotheses in captivity, together with field
studies, can be employed to examine the advantages and disadvantages of Saguinus associations.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 272-286 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Folia Primatologica |
Volume | 68 |
Issue number | 3-5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1997 |
Externally published | Yes |