Seasonal behavioral patterns of the Caqueta titi monkey (Plecturocebus caquetensis)

Abstract

The Caqueta titi monkey (Plecturocebus caquetensis) is Critically Endangered (CR) due to habitat destruction associated with extensive livestock ranching and farming. But unfortunately, information on the ecology and behavior of the species is scarce. Here we describe seasonal behavioral patterns and home range size of P. caquetensis in a 23-ha forest fragment in Colombia. In 2013, we collected focal animal behavioral data of a group of seven individuals of P. caquetensis. Overall, titi monkeys spent 33% of their time feeding, 4% locomotion, 42% resting, and 21% engaging in social interactions, such as grooming and vocalizations. However, the activity budgets differed substantially between seasons. In the dry season titi monkeys invested significantly more time feeding than in the rainy season, when they spent more time moving. They invested a similar amount of time in social interactions in both seasons. Home range size was larger during the rainy season; but the core areas of the home ranges had a similar size and they overlapped across seasons, suggesting the overall importance of this area for titi monkeys. These findings constitute the first study on the seasonal ecology and home range of this Critically Endangered species, and it identifies a priority local conservation area.