Spider monkeys rule the roost: Ateline sleeping sites influence rainforest heterogeneity

Whitworth, A., Whittaker, L., Pillco Huarcaya, R., Flatt, E., Morales, M. L., Connor, D., Priego, M. G., Forsyth, A. and Beirne, C. (2019) Spider monkeys rule the roost: Ateline sleeping sites influence rainforest heterogeneity. Animals, 9(12), 1052. (doi: 10.3390/ani9121052) (PMID:31805694) (PMCID:PMC6941026)

Abstract

: The sleeping site behavior of Ateline primates has been of interest since the 1980s, yet limited focus has been given to their influence upon other rainforest species. Here, we use a combination of arboreal and terrestrial camera traps, and dung beetle pitfall traps, to characterize spider monkey sleeping site use and quantify the impact of their associated latrines on terrestrial vertebrate and dung beetle activity. We also characterize the physical characteristics of the sleeping sites and the floristic and soil composition of latrines beneath them. Spider monkey activity at sleeping sites peaked at dawn and dusk and group composition varied by sex of the adults detected. The habitat-use of terrestrial fauna (vertebrates and dung beetles) differed between latrine sites and non-latrine controls, underpinned by species-specific changes in the relative abundance of several seed-dispersing species (such as paca and great curassow). Seedling density was higher in latrines than in non-latrine controls. Although most soil properties were similar between latrines and controls, potassium and manganese concentrations were different. These results suggest that spider monkey sleeping site fidelity leads to a hotspot of ecological activity in latrines and downstream impacts on rainforest floristic composition and diversity.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This field research was funded by the Margot Marsh Biodiversity Fund.
• Keywords: Rainforest, wildlife, camera traps, Ateline, primates, biodiversity, seed dispersal, seed predation, trophic interactions.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Whitworth, Dr Andrew

Creator Roles

Whitworth, A.: Conceptualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review and editing, Funding acquisition

• Authors: Whitworth, A., Whittaker, L., Pillco Huarcaya, R., Flatt, E., Morales, M. L., Connor, D., Priego, M. G., Forsyth, A., and Beirne, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Animals
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 2076-2615
• ISSN (Online): 2076-2615
• Published Online: 01 December 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Animals 9(12): 1052
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License