Activity patterns in two black spider monkeys, Ateles paniscus, in the Experimental Horco Molle Reserve, Tucumán, Argentina: Comparison with wild relatives

Abstract

The study of behavior and activity patterns in vertebrates can provide tools that may be useful in estimating their well-being. The more these patterns are similar between wild and captive animals, the greater the probability that the latter are in good condition. Providing enrichment activities can contribute to the well-being of these animals. In this study, behaviors of two black spider monkeys, Ateles paniscus, a male and a female, residing in a small artificial island of 1400 m2 in the Experimental Reserve of Horco Molle, Tucumán, are described. Activity patterns are reported for two non-consecutive weeks, with enrichment experiments performed during an intermediate week, in order to evaluate their well-being and suggest strategies that may contribute to their quality of life. The monkeys expressed typical behaviors for the species, with similar frequencies to those cited for wild populations, an important indication of its well-being. This may be due in part to the fact that they live on an island with trees, which gives them more space and diversity. The most frequent behaviors were resting, being alert, moving, and foraging. Contrary to their wild counterparts, they were most of the time on the ground. Given the great interest they showed when presented with different enrichment activities and given that the search for food is an impor tant activity, generally taking place in the canopy of trees in wild monkeys, actions destined to increase these activities could improve even more their quality of life.