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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Spatial reference of black capuchin monkeys in Brazilian Atlantic Forest: egocentric or allocentric?

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Author(s):
Presotto, Andrea [1] ; Izar, Patricia [2]
Total Authors: 2
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Geog, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Expt Psychol, Inst Psychol, BR-05508030 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR; v. 80, n. 1, p. 125-132, JUL 2010.
Web of Science Citations: 19
Abstract

Wild primates occupy large home ranges and travel long distances to reach goals. However, how primates are able to remember goal locations and travel efficiently is unclear. Few studies present consistent results regarding what reference system primates use to navigate, and what kind of spatial information they recognize. We analysed the pattern of navigation of one wild group of black capuchin monkeys, Cebus nigritus, at Atlantic Forest for 100 days in Carlos Botelho State Park (PECB), Brazil. We tested predictions based on the alternative hypotheses that black capuchin monkeys navigate using a sequence of landmarks as an egocentric reference system or an allocentric reference system, or both, depending on availability of food resources. The group location was recorded using a GPS device collecting coordinates at 5 min intervals, and route maps were generated using ArcView v9.3.1. The study group travelled through habitual routes during less than 30% of our study sample, and revisited resources from different starting points, using different paths and routes, even when prominent landmarks near feeding locations were not visible. The study group used habitual routes more frequently when high-quality foods were scarce, and navigated using different paths when revisiting food sources. Results support the hypothesis that black capuchin monkeys at PECB navigate using both egocentric and allocentric systems of reference, depending on the quality and distribution of the food resource they find. (C) 2010 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)