Work

Predatory attack on a bearded capuchin monkey by a Boa constrictor

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Predation influences foraging strategies, as primates must avoid being preyed on while feeding. Some populations of capuchin monkeys are the only neotropical primates that customarily use the ground for nut-cracking. This time-consuming and focus-demanding foraging activity may increase susceptibility to predation events. However, there is currently no data on predation in tool-using Sapajus populations. We report a snake's (Boa constrictor) predatory attack on a bearded capuchin monkey (S. libidinosus) in a tool-using population, as well as the other monkeys' alarm calling and threat displays. We confirm these monkeys' predation vulnerability and discuss how they balance foraging requirements with predation risk.

Source: Primates

DOI: 10.1007/s10329-025-01191-7

Authors: Tatiane Valença, Emiliane Cardoso, Tiago Falótico

Institutions: Universidade de São Paulo, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Neotropical Primates Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology

Language: English

Topic: Primate Behavior and Ecology

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,490

Funders: National Geographic Society Education Foundation, National Geographic Society, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade