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[ecological affinity and current distribution of primates (cebidae) in campeche, mexico].we carried out surveys realized field work from march to september 2000 to get the current distribution of cebids in the state of campeche, mexico. based on interviews and direct observations. we defined the distribution of ateles geoffroyi yucatanensis and alouatta pigra and we documented the first time localities where allouata palliata is found in the state. we made distributional maps of each species using vegetation overlays from inventario nacional forestal (inv for) and each point documen ...200315162751
primates as pets in mexico city: an assessment of the species involved, source of origin, and general aspects of treatment.the large human populations in cities are an important source of demand for wildlife pets, including primates, and not much is known about the primate species involved in terms of their general origin, the length of time they are kept as pets, and some of the maintenance problems encountered with their use as pets. we report the results of a survey conducted in mexico city among primate pet owners, which was aimed at providing some of the above information. we used an ethnographic approach, and ...200314582127
molecular systematics and biogeography of the neotropical monkey genus, alouatta.we take advantage of the broad distribution of howler monkeys from mexico to argentina to provide a historical biogeographical analysis on a regional scale that encompasses the entire neotropics. the phylogenetic relationships among 9 of the 10 recognized alouatta species were inferred using three mitochondrial and two nuclear genes. the nuclear gene regions provided no phylogenetic resolution among howler monkey species, and were characterized by very low levels of sequence divergence between a ...200312470939
population of the black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) in a fragmented landscape in palenque, chiapas, mexico.little is known about the population characteristics of alouatta pigra under conditions of forest fragmentation-information that is important to understanding its tolerance to habitat loss. in this work we present data on forest loss and on troop size, age, and sex composition for a population of black howler monkeys existing in the fragmented landscape surrounding the mayan site of palenque, chiapas, mexico. two aerial photos (1:70,000) of the study area (261 km(2)) taken in 1984 and 2001 were ...200212386913
survey of the black howler monkey, alouatta pigra, population at the mayan site of palenque, chiapas, mexico.a survey of the population of the black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) present at the mayan site of palenque was conducted during 2000. a total of 911 man/hours, spread over 112 days were spent surveying the 600 ha area of pristine forest at the site for howler troops. we detected the presence of 136 individuals of which 131 were members of 20 troops, the rest were 3 solitary adult males and 2 adult males travelling as a pair. ecological density was estimated at 23 individuals/km(2). mean troop ...200212091747
characterizing the reproductive physiology of the male southern black howler monkey, alouatta caraya.limited reproductive data are available for any species of howler monkey, including those listed as threatened (alouatta pigra) and endangered (a. palliata) by the convention on international trade in endangered species status (cites) report. the southern black howler monkey (a. caraya) is being considered as a model species to develop assisted reproductive technology (art) for vulnerable howler species. specific objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of 1) time of year on ejaculat ...200111330639
group size and population density of the black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) in muchukux forest, quintana roo, mexico. 19989751828
feeding ecology of the black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) in northern belize.we studied the feeding ecology of the black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) from march 1994 to april 1995 in the community baboon sanctuary in northern belize, central america. activity and diet composition were recorded using continuous focal animal sampling. diet composition was compared with the relative abundance of plant parts eaten by the howlers within the study site. the study animals spent an average of 24.4% of their time feeding, 61.9% resting, and approximately 9.8% traveling. in cont ...19989651649
genetic diversity in black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) from belize.to assess the level of genetic variation in a threatened black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) population, we examined 36 allozyme loci and restriction fragment profiles of mitochondrial dna (mtdna). mean heterozygosity at allozyme loci was only 0.021 and 5.6 percent of the loci were polymorphic. analyses of mtdna also revealed low genetic diversity compared with other primates. f-statistics revealed no significant genetic heterogeneity among troops within the bermudian landing preserve, but did ...19979098502
experimental technique for the conservation of private lands.a community-based sanctuary for the black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) has been established on 18 square miles of riverine forest along the belize river, belize. it is based on voluntary signed pledges by subsistence farmers to abide by management plans for their lands. conservation-education programs which impact favorably on the villagers are being carried out.19883184168
seroprevalence of trypanosoma cruzi and leishmania mexicana in free-ranging howler monkeys in southeastern mexico.natural infection of wild mammals by protozoa parasites is quite common in nature. for neotropical primates different infections of parasites that are etiological agent of disease in human have been identified. in particular, infections by trypanosoma cruzi and leishmania sp., have been reported for some new world primate species, but there are no reports of infection with these parasites in any primate species in mexico. a serological study was conducted on two howler monkey species (alouatta p ...201323165742
social and hormonal mechanisms underlying male reproductive strategies in black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra).we investigated the social and hormonal mechanisms underlying male reproductive strategies in two multimale-multifemale groups of black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) during a 14-month study in palenque national park, mexico. fecal glucocorticoid (fgc) and androgen (fa) levels were analyzed for 343 fecal samples collected from 14 males during their presence in the study groups. neither immigrating males nor resident males that remained in the group had elevated fgc and fa levels during 11 obser ...200919712675
the missing fellow: first description of the trypanoxyuris pigrae male (nematoda:oxyuridae), a parasite of the black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) in mexico.the first morphological description of the male of trypanoxyuris pigrae solórzano-garcía, nadler, and pérez-ponce de león, 2016 is presented in this study. morphological data are supported by molecular data. specimens of t. pigrae were recovered after the necropsy of a roadkill black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) in southeastern mexico. males of t. pigrae are characterized by having 3 notched lips, and a long esophagus with a posterior bulb; they also show a single crested lateral alae, , a sin ...201728355111
noninvasive collection of fresh hairs from free-ranging howler monkeys for dna extraction.the use of noninvasive collected samples as source of dna in studies of wild primate populations has increased in recent years. fresh-plucked hairs represent an important source of dna, with relatively high quality and concentration. in this study, we describe a low-cost noninvasive technique for collecting fresh-plucked hairs used to obtain dna samples from free-ranging black howler monkey populations (alouatta pigra). we designed and manufactured darts made of wooden dowels, with the anterior ...200919125389
the karyotype of alouattapigra (primates: platyrrhini): mitotic and meiotic analyses.we describe for the first time the karyotype of the black howler monkey, alouatta pigra. conventional staining, g- and c-banding, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (fish) with a peptide nucleic acid (pna) pantelomeric probe were performed. eight free ranging adult individuals, four males and four females, within the natural distribution of the species presented a diploid karyotype with 2n = 58. mitotic analyses showed an autosomal complement composed of 6 submetacentric, 3 metacentric, and ...200819096205
sexual behavior across ovarian cycles in wild black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra): male mate guarding and female mate choice.we studied two multimale-multifemale groups of black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) during a 14-month study (june 2006-july 2007) in palenque national park, mexico to evaluate the ways in which their sexual behavior changes across ovarian cycles. we analyzed 231 fecal samples, collected every 2.2+/-1.4 days from five females. for four females, estradiol and progesterone profiles revealed an average (+/-se) cycle length of 18.3+/-1.4 days. copulations occurred significantly more frequently durin ...200919016487
current status of the habitat and population of the black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) in balancán, tabasco, mexico.we evaluated the habitat and populations of the black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) in the municipality of balancán, tabasco, southeastern mexico, using a combination of field surveys and remotely sensed data. we identified 21,937 ha of remnant vegetation composed of 1,348 fragments. fragments separated by up to 200 m were grouped into "clusters" of fragments in accordance with the maximum observed open distance crossed by a. pigra. a total of 11% or 84 of the 772 clusters identified through re ...200818850585
group size and composition influence male and female reproductive success in black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra).it has been argued that grouping patterns might influence the reproductive performance of individuals. increasing group size results in greater travel costs and competition over depletable food resources, which could lead to reduced individual reproductive success. however, in groups with an increasing number of males, female reproductive success is predicted to augment because larger male groups might better protect immatures from infanticidal attacks. in contrast, male reproductive success is ...200818293377
demographic survey of black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) in the lachuá eco-region in alta verapaz, guatemala.guatemala harbors three species of primates (alouatta palliata, alouatta pigra and ateles geoffroyi), but the distribution and state of conservation of populations of these species are poorly documented. in the case of a. pigra, populations have been studied recently and documented in several sites in mexico and belize, and only in one site in guatemala (tikal national park). in this study, we report first-time population data for a. pigra existing in the lachuá eco-region in northwestern guatem ...200817823920
the distributions of howling monkeys (alouatta pigra and a. palliata) in southeastern mexico and central america.we compared the distributions of alouatta palliata and a. pigra in southeastern mexico and central america with geographic and ecological features to infer current barriers and ecological preferences. distribution data were obtained from museum specimen localities, study sites, historic records and field surveys and integrated into digital elevation and ecosystem maps using gis. a. pigra evidently occurs at a number of sites above 2,000 m, where temperatures can even drop below zero on some days ...200717534693
movement and resource use by a group of alouatta pigra in a forest fragment in balancán, méxico.uncommonly observed behaviors were systematically recorded in a troop (n = 9 individuals) of black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) inhabiting a small forest fragment (1.7 ha) in leona vicario, balancán, tabasco, mexico. between february 2002 and january 2003 (n = 499 h), we observed behaviors such as ground travel (85 occasions, total = 269 min/10.8% of total locomotion time), ground foraging (eight occasions, total = 50 min/0.84% of total feeding time) and drinking water pooled in tree holes (2 ...200717136475
the role of gut microbes in satisfying the nutritional demands of adult and juvenile wild, black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra).in all mammals, growth, development, pregnancy, and lactation increase nutritional demands. although primate field studies tend to focus on shifts in activity and diet as mechanisms to compensate for these demands, differences in digestive efficiency also are likely to be important. because the gut microbiota can impact host digestive efficiency, we examined differences in activity budget, diet, and the gut microbial community among adult male (n = 4), adult female (n = 4), and juvenile (n = 5) ...201425252073
parasites of free-ranging black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) from belize and mexico.parasites are important members of the ecological web within which an animal lives, and can be used as indicators of ecosystem health. however, few baseline parasitological data are available for free-ranging animals, particularly for the black howler monkey (alouatta pigra). in this study a total of 283 fecal samples were collected from 50 individually identified a. pigra during 2003 and 2004 and examined for parasites. the samples were processed using standard quantitative centrifugation conce ...200617044010
experimental test of female black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) responses to loud calls from potentially infanticidal males: effects of numeric odds, vulnerable offspring, and companion behavior.during group defense, the contribution of female black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) may help deter male intruders; however, their involvement during natural intergroup encounters is facultative. experimental playback trials simulating potentially infanticidal males were used to examine whether a female's reproductive investment and/or her group's relative fighting ability would influence her participation in loud call displays. female howlers never responded to recordings without alpha male a ...200616485303
the short-term effects of a hurricane on the diet and activity of black howlers (alouatta pigra) in monkey river, belize.the diet and activity of a population of alouatta pigra were compared before and immediately after a major hurricane to begin to explore how the monkeys cope with severe habitat destruction. focal animal data were collected from january to april (dry season) for two seasons before (368 h) and one season after the storm (149 h) on a population of black howlers in monkey river, belize. during the first dry season after the storm, the monkeys changed their diet in direct accordance with the availab ...200515711069
observed case of infanticide committed by a resident male central american black howler monkey (alouatta pigra).although infanticide has been witnessed in other species of howler monkey, and has been inferred for alouatta pigra, an observed case of infanticide has not previously been recorded for this species. here we describe the killing of a 2-week-old infant by the resident male of a small social group in southern belize. the infanticide was witnessed as part of an intensive observational study that began in january 2003. the male was known to have resided in the group for at least 4 months, but it is ...200415300711
hunting restraint by creoles at the community baboon sanctuary, belize: a preliminary survey.this study surveyed 33 male hunters between the ages of 17 and 54 at the community baboon sanctuary (cbs), belize, to evaluate attitudes and behaviors in relation to hunting black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra). the study defined hunting restraint as a learned predisposition not to hunt 1 or more species of nonhuman animal. consistent with belizean folklore, creoles at the cbs exhibited hunting restraint with respect to black howlers, preferring to kill bushmeat other than monkeys. the most cit ...200415234888
diet and activity in black howler monkeys ( alouatta pigra) in southern belize: does degree of frugivory influence activity level?this study reports on the diet and activity budgets of central american black howling monkeys ( alouatta pigra) at monkey river, belize. this is a previously unstudied population, close to the southern boundary of the species range, and it provides comparative data on a. pigra from a new study site. both diet and activity are within the ranges reported for other a.pigra sites and for mantled howlers ( a. palliata). no age-sex differences could be discerned in either diet or activity, though mont ...200414735392
botfly parasitism and tourism on the endangered black howler monkey of belize.tourism imposes costs and benefits on wild primates. endangered black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) troops with high exposure to tourism had higher levels of botfly (alouattamyia baeri) parasitism. edge habitat and juvenile numbers did not seem to confound the observed relationship. to improve the cost/benefit ratio of tourism, we recommend further investigation.201222762861
free-ranging black howler monkeys, alouatta pigra, in southern belize are not parasitized by controrchis biliophilus.several coprological studies of alouatta pigra, the black howler monkey, inhabiting belize and mexico have been published in the past several years. trematodes, specifically controrchis biliophilus (dicrocoeliidae), have been detected in a. pigra from all locations in belize and mexico examined in those studies. a routine coprological survey of a. pigra was conducted in may and june 2010 as part of baseline data collection for an a. pigra population in punta gorda, toledo district, southern beli ...201222760693
survey of black howler (alouatta pigra) and spider (ateles geoffroyi) monkeys in the mayan sites of calakmul and yaxchilán, mexico and tikal, guatemala.surveys of populations of spider and howler monkeys were conducted at the mayan sites of calakmul and yaxchilán, mexico and tikal, guatemala. the forests in which these sites are found are part of the largest landmass of tropical rain forests present in mesoamerica, encompassing about 4 million ha. triangulation of monkey vocalization combined with ground surveys was used to determine the presence of howler and spider monkey groups. howler monkey mean troop size at these sites varied from 6.6+/- ...200414586803
sources of variation in fecal cortisol levels in howler monkeys in belize.high cortisol levels are known to cause low fecundity and increased mortality; thus, the prospect of using cortisol as a measure of population health is an exciting one. however, because so many factors can interact to influence cortisol release, it can be difficult to interpret what exactly is creating changes to cortisol levels. this study investigates variation in fecal cortisol levels in a population of black howlers (alouatta pigra) from 350 fecal samples collected from 33 individuals in mo ...201020166191
observed infanticides following a male immigration event in black howler monkeys, alouatta pigra, at palenque national park, mexico.this study describes two cases of directly observed and one case of nearly observed infanticide after an adult male immigrated into a multimale-multifemale group of black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) at palenque national park, mexico. the immigrant male entered the group alone, injured the central adult male, presumably evicted the noncentral adult male, and killed all three young infants present over the course of three consecutive days in february 2010. three weeks after the infanticide eve ...201020665226
parasites, primates, and ant-plants: clues to the life cycle of controrchis spp. in black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) in southern belize.the purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, intensity, and possible transmission routes of the trematode, controrchis spp. (dicrocoeliidae), in a population of black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) near monkey river, belize. alouatta pigra are arboreal primates that are typically folivorous and frugivorous. controrchis is a dicrocoeliid trematode and, as such, should require a gastropod and an ant (formicidae) intermediate host for transmission. from january to july 2005 and feb ...201020966290
influence of the landscape matrix on the abundance of arboreal primates in fragmented landscapes.composition of the landscape matrix of surrounding forest fragments is thought to be critically important to the survival of arboreal primates because it offers structures that help the animals move between fragments and other foraging sites. however, little is known about the composition of the matrix used by these animals. the aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the importance of the landscape matrix and its effects on primate abundance, using black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) l ...201121210179
potential distribution of mexican primates: modeling the ecological niche with the maximum entropy algorithm.we developed a potential distribution model for the tropical rain forest species of primates of southern mexico: the black howler monkey (alouatta pigra), the mantled howler monkey (alouatta palliata), and the spider monkey (ateles geoffroyi). to do so, we applied the maximum entropy algorithm from the ecological niche modeling program maxent. for each species, we used occurrence records from scientific collections, and published and unpublished sources, and we also used the 19 environmental cov ...201121404094
blood parameters are little affected by time of sampling after the application of ketamine in black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra).background ketamine hydrochloride is an anesthetic commonly utilized to obtain biological samples in various non-human primates. its application alters individual hematologic and biochemical values. the aim of this study was to analyze its effect on blood parameters of alouatta pigra. method we collected blood samples at 10 and 40 minutes after the application of ketamine in 12 adult female a. pigra living in free-ranging conditions. results the analysis showed that 40 minutes after applicati ...201121443563
analysis of the hydrogenotrophic microbiota of wild and captive black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) in palenque national park, mexico.intestinal methanogenesis is one of the major pathways for consumption of hydrogen produced by bacterial fermentation and is considered to affect the efficiency of host energy harvest; however, little information is available regarding the hydrogenotrophic pathways of nonhuman primates in the wild, in general, and of howler monkeys, in particular. microbial fermentation of plant structural carbohydrates is an important feature in wild howlers owing to the high fiber and low available energy cont ...201121557284
metabolomic data suggest regulation of black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) diet composition at the molecular level.in addition to macronutrients, foods consist of a complex set of chemical compounds that can influence dietary selectivity and consumer physiology. metabolomics allow us to describe this complexity by quantifying all small molecules, or metabolites, in a food item. in this study we use gc-ms based metabolomics to describe the metabolite profiles of foods consumed by one population of mexican black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) over a 10-month period. our data indicate that each food exhibited ...201727936282
pinworm diversity in free-ranging howler monkeys (alouatta spp.) in mexico: morphological and molecular evidence for two new trypanoxyuris species (nematoda: oxyuridae).two new species of trypanoxyuris are described from the intestine of free-ranging howler monkeys in mexico, trypanoxyuris multilabiatus n. sp. from the mantled howler alouatta palliata, and trypanoxyuris pigrae n. sp. from the black howler alouatta pigra. an integrative taxonomic approach is followed, where conspicuous morphological traits and phylogenetic trees based on dna sequences are used to test the validity of the two new species. the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene, and t ...201627262522
the role of sex and age in the architecture of intrapopulation howler monkey-plant networks in continuous and fragmented rain forests.we evaluated the structure of intrapopulation howler monkey-plant interactions by focusing on the plant species consumed by different sex and age classes in continuous and fragmented forests in southern mexico. for this we used network analysis to evaluate the impact of fragmentation on howler population traits and on resource availability and food choice. a total of 37 tree and liana species and seven plant items (bark, immature fruits, flowers, mature fruits, immature leaves, mature leaves and ...201626989638
striking differences in the loud calls of howler monkey sister species (alouatta pigra and a. palliata).comparing vocalizations across species is useful for understanding acoustic variation at mechanistic and evolutionary levels. here, we take advantage of the divergent vocalizations of two closely related howler monkey species (alouatta pigra and a. palliata) to better understand vocal evolution. in addition to comparing multiple acoustic and temporal features of roars and the calling bouts in which they are produced, we tested several predictions. first, a. pigra should have roars with lower fun ...201626950654
phylogenetic and ecological factors impact the gut microbiota of two neotropical primate species.recent studies suggest that variation in diet across time and space results in changes in the mammalian gut microbiota. this variation may ultimately impact host ecology by altering nutritional status and health. wild animal populations provide an excellent opportunity for understanding these interactions. however, compared to clinical studies, microbial research targeting wild animals is currently limited, and many published studies focus only on a single population of a single host species. in ...201626597549
intragroup genetic relatedness in two howler monkey species (alouatta pigra and a. palliata): implications for understanding social systems and dispersal.the degree of genetic relatedness among group members is influenced by dispersal, group formation and composition, mating systems, and other socioecological factors. making inferences about differences between species in their socio-genetic structure is difficult because studies rarely compare multiple species. in this study, we use multilocus microsatellite genotype data to analyze intragroup genetic relatedness in two howler monkey species (alouatta palliata and a. pigra). we test the predicti ...201526422388
female participation in collective group defense in black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra).many group-living animals actively defend a home range against neighboring groups. in many of these societies, males are the primary participants during group defense, while female participation ranges from seldom to frequent. among howler monkeys (alouatta spp.), loud calls (i.e., howling) are often used in the context of intergroup spacing as a form of cooperative group defense. males initiate and lead these howling bouts, but females occasionally participate as well. during a 28-month study, ...201525704874
the gut microbiota appears to compensate for seasonal diet variation in the wild black howler monkey (alouatta pigra).for most mammals, including nonhuman primates, diet composition varies temporally in response to differences in food availability. because diet influences gut microbiota composition, it is likely that the gut microbiota of wild mammals varies in response to seasonal changes in feeding patterns. such variation may affect host digestive efficiency and, ultimately, host nutrition. in this study, we investigate the temporal variation in diet and gut microbiota composition and function in two groups ...201525524570
seed source, seed traits, and frugivore habits: implications for dispersal quality of two sympatric primates.• premise of the study: frugivore selection of fruits and treatment of seeds together with seed deposition site are crucial for the population dynamics of vertebrate-dispersed plants. however, frugivore species may influence dispersal quality differently even when feeding on the same fruit species and, while animals disperse some seeds, others simply fall beneath the parent plant.• methods: in southern mexico, we investigated to see if within-species seed traits (i.e., length, width, weight, and ...201424920763
nutrition and foraging strategies of the black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) in palenque national park, mexico.food resources consumed by primates vary markedly in nutritional content. as a result, foragers must develop a feeding strategy to select resources that balance energy and macronutrient intake and reduce the consumption of fiber and toxins. in this study, we collected data on dietary patterns, rates of food consumption, and weight of food items consumed and combined them with published values of the nutritional content of neotropical foods to estimate energy and nutrient intake during a 10-month ...201424763976
black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) activity, foraging and seed dispersal patterns in shaded cocoa plantations versus rainforest in southern mexico.recent evidence has shown that primates worldwide use agroecosystems as temporary or permanent habitats. detailed information on how these primates are using these systems is scant, and yet their role as seed dispersers is often implied. the main objective of this study was to compare the activity, foraging patterns and seed dispersal role of black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) inhabiting shaded cocoa plantations and rainforest in southern chiapas, mexico. we gathered data on three monkey grou ...201424668557
effect of ancestry on behavioral variation in two species of howler monkeys (alouatta pigra and a. palliata) and their hybrids.social differences between primate species may result from both flexible responses to current conditions or fixed differences across taxa, yet we know little about the relative importance of these factors. here, we take advantage of a naturally occurring hybrid zone in tabasco, mexico to characterize the variation in social structure among two endangered howler monkey species, alouatta pigra and a. palliata, and their hybrids. work in pure populations has suggested that a. pigra females maintain ...201424668503
habitat degradation impacts black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) gastrointestinal microbiomes.the gastrointestinal (gi) microbiome contributes significantly to host nutrition and health. however, relationships involving gi microbes, their hosts and host macrohabitats remain to be established. here, we define clear patterns of variation in the gi microbiomes of six groups of mexican black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) occupying a gradation of habitats including a continuous evergreen rainforest, an evergreen rainforest fragment, a continuous semi-deciduous forest and captivity. high thr ...201323486247
the role of minerals in food selection in a black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) population in belize following a major hurricane.as plants may contain low levels of some minerals including sodium, copper, and phosphorous, herbivores may become deficient in these nutrients. in 2001, hurricane iris hit the monkey river forest in belize causing substantial damage to the food supply of the black howler monkey population (alouatta pigra) living there. this included an 18-month absence in fruit production and a complete loss of figs that are high in calcium. in this article, we describe the post-hurricane diet of this monkey po ...201222851375
morphological variation of genetically confirmed alouatta pigra × a. palliata hybrids from a natural hybrid zone in tabasco, mexico.while hybridization has been reported for a large number of primate taxa, there is a general lack of data on hybrid morphology for wild individuals with known genetic ancestry. a confirmed hybrid zone for the closely related neotropical primates alouatta palliata and a. pigra has provided a unique opportunity to study primate hybrid morphological variation. here we used molecular evidence based on mitochondrial, y-chromosome, and autosomal data to assess hybrid ancestry. we conducted univariate ...201323225250
patterns in gut microbiota similarity associated with degree of sociality among sex classes of a neotropical primate.studies of human and domestic animal models indicate that related individuals and those that spend the most time in physical contact typically have more similar gut microbial communities. however, few studies have examined these factors in wild mammals where complex social dynamics and a variety of interacting environmental factors may impact the patterns observed in controlled systems. here, we explore the effect of host kinship and time spent in social contact on the gut microbiota of wild, bl ...201728124727
vocal repertoire of free-ranging black howler monkeys' (alouatta pigra): call types, contexts, and sex-related contributions.alouatta species utter the most powerful primate vocalizations in the neotropics and are well-known for their loud and long-lasting male howling bouts. however, the diversity of acoustic structures used in these howling bouts, as well as in non-howling contexts, and the relative contribution of the different group members to the entire vocal repertoire, needed to be explored further. this report provides the first detailed description of the vocal repertoire of black howler monkeys (alouatta pig ...201728095604
contrasting time-based and weight-based estimates of protein and energy intake of black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra).two methods are commonly used to describe the feeding behavior of wild primates, one based on the proportion of time animals spent feeding on specific plant parts ("time-based" estimates) and one based on estimates of the actual amounts of different plant materials ingested ('"weight-based" estimates). however, studies based on feeding time may not be accurate for making quantitative assessments of animals' nutrient and energy intake. we analyzed the diet of two groups of alouatta pigra living i ...201727802361
fluctuations in daily energy intake do not cause physiological stress in a neotropical primate living in a seasonal forest.animals may face periods of nutritional stress due to short-term food shortage and/or low energy consumption associated with seasonal fluctuations in resource availability. we tested the hypothesis that periods of restricted macronutrient and energy intake result in energy deficits and physiological stress in wild black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) inhabiting seasonal tropical semi-deciduous forests. we conducted full-day follows of focal animals recording feeding rates, time spent feeding, a ...201627681556
Variation in the Extraction Efficiency of Estradiol and Progesterone in Moist and Lyophilized Feces of the Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra): Alternative Methods.Several fecal steroid extraction techniques have been developed to measure the ovary function in different species of mammals. However, regardless of the method of extraction and the sample type chosen, it has been observed that they can yield results with different percentages of recuperation. The objective of this study was to determine whether the type of substratum, solvent and extraction method used have any influence on the extraction efficiency in the feces of Alouatta pigra (black howler ...201122194723
prevalence of neutralizing antibodies against west nile virus (wnv) in monkeys (ateles geoffroyi and alouatta pigra) and crocodiles (crocodylus acutus and c. acutus-c. moreletti hybrids) in mexico.west nile virus (wnv) is a mosquito-borne neurotropic viral pathogen maintained in an enzootic cycle between mosquitoes (vectors) and birds (natural hosts) with equids, humans, and other vertebrates acting as dead-end hosts. wnv activity in mexico has been reported in several domestic and wild fauna and in humans, and the virus has been isolated from birds, mosquitoes, and humans. however, no serological studies have been conducted in monkeys, and only two in a limited number of crocodiles (croc ...201627097655
primates living outside protected habitats are more stressed: the case of black howler monkeys in the yucatán peninsula.the non-invasive monitoring of glucocorticoid hormones allows for the assessment of the physiological effects of anthropogenic disturbances on wildlife. variation in glucocorticoid levels of the same species between protected and unprotect areas seldom has been measured, and the available evidence suggests that this relationship may depend on species-specific habitat requirements and biology. in the present study we focused on black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra), a canopy-dwelling primate spec ...201425375243
cascading impacts of anthropogenically driven habitat loss: deforestation, flooding, and possible lead poisoning in howler monkeys (alouatta pigra).to construct informed conservation plans, researchers must go beyond understanding readily apparent threats such as habitat loss and bush-meat hunting. they must predict subtle and cascading effects of anthropogenic environmental modifications. this study considered a potential cascading effect of deforestation on the howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) of balancán, mexico. deforestation intensifies flooding. thus, we predicted that increased flooding of the usumacinta river, which creates large bod ...201525163777
primate vaginal microbiomes exhibit species specificity without universal lactobacillus dominance.bacterial communities colonizing the reproductive tracts of primates (including humans) impact the health, survival and fitness of the host, and thereby the evolution of the host species. despite their importance, we currently have a poor understanding of primate microbiomes. the composition and structure of microbial communities vary considerably depending on the host and environmental factors. we conducted comparative analyses of the primate vaginal microbiome using pyrosequencing of the 16s r ...201425036926
physiological and analytical validations of fecal steroid hormone measures in black howler monkeys.the measurement of hormones in fecal samples allows for the noninvasive assessment of the endocrine status of free-ranging primates. however, procedures and techniques for hormone analysis in feces must be validated, both analytically and physiologically. few studies have addressed the endocrinology of black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra). due to its conservation status, direct handling of individuals from this species and invasive sample collection are highly regulated, and therefore tradition ...201424939341
the function of loud calls in black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra): food, mate, or infant defense?loud calling (i.e., howling) is the single most distinctive behavioral attribute of the social system of howler monkeys (alouatta spp.), yet no general consensus exists regarding its main function. during a 28-month study of five groups of black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) at palenque national park, mexico, we examined whether howling mainly functioned in the defense of food resources, mates, or infants vulnerable to infanticide. we recorded 602 howling bouts. howling occurred more frequentl ...201424865565
variation in dietary breadth among groups of black howler monkeys is not associated with the vegetation attributes of forest fragments.habitat disturbance alters vegetation structure and composition. for example, in forest fragments, the rate of secondary plant species recruitment and mortality in species typical of old-growth forests are higher. for many arboreal primates, movement between fragments is infrequent and difficult, thus the dietary breadth of herbivorous primates that live in fragments is expected to change. it is likely that the ability of howler monkeys (alouatta spp.) to live in a large array of habitat types i ...201424842275
mammal assemblages in forest fragments and landscapes occupied by black howler monkeys.species assemblages in disturbed habitats vary as a function of the interaction between species requirements and the spatial configuration of the habitat. there are many reports accounting for the presence of howler monkeys in fragments where other mammals are absent, suggesting that they are more resilient. in the present study we explored this idea and predicted that if howler monkeys were more resilient to habitat loss and fragmentation than other mammals, mammal assemblages in fragments occu ...201424619385
factors affecting the drinking behavior of black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra).water is essential for animals, and is particularly critical for thermoregulation. animals obtain water from three main sources, free water, water contained in food, and water produced in the body during metabolism. howler monkeys (alouatta spp.) spend a small proportion of their time drinking water and some populations have not been observed drinking, suggesting they obtain most of their water requirements in food or by metabolism. however, when howler monkeys have been observed drinking there ...201424057696
foraging strategy of a neotropical primate: how intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence destination and residence time.most animals need to actively search for food to meet energetic requirements and live in heterogeneous environments where food resources have complex spatio-temporal patterns of availability. consequently, foraging animals need to find a balance between effort and resource allocation while accounting for intrinsic and extrinsic factors, which are often overlooked when modelling foraging behaviour. we identified the decision rules for foraging in black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra), according t ...201423957316
a comparison of scan and focal sampling for the description of wild primate activity, diet and intragroup spatial relationships.we used data collected during two concurrent studies of black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) in palenque national park, mexico, to compare systematically three methods of behavioral data collection [group activity scan sampling (group scans), instantaneous focal individual sampling (instantaneous focals) and continuous focal individual sampling (continuous focals)] and three methods of proximity data collection [group proximity scan sampling (group proximity scans), focal individual proximity s ...201323548732
hematological and biochemical blood values in wild populations of black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) of campeche, méxico.the clinical analyses of free-ranging new world primates are extremely limited. the aim of this study was to obtain baseline data of blood chemistry and hematological values of free-ranging alouatta pigra.201222882076
genetic structure and kinship patterns in a population of black howler monkeys, alouatta pigra, at palenque national park, mexico.we investigated the genetic structure and kinship patterns of black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) at palenque national park, mexico. fecal samples from 49 individuals residing in eight social groups were successfully genotyped for 19 polymorphic microsatellite markers known to be variable in other ateline primates. overall, genetic diversity was low (h(o) = 0.588) with an average of 4.2 alleles per loci (range = 2-8). we found that intergroup genetic variation among adults was relatively high ...201222707175
effects of lactation on the time-budgets and foraging patterns of female black howlers (alouatta pigra).lactation is an energy demanding phase in the reproductive cycle of female mammals. for this reason, several studies have assessed the effects of lactation on female behavior. in this study we examine the influence of lactation on the time-budgets and foraging patterns of female black howlers (alouatta pigra) in campeche, mexico. we observed 32 adult females and 35 infants belonging to 14 groups of black howlers for a total of 2,224 focal hours. we found that lactating females spent more time be ...201121365610
social modulation of testosterone levels in male black howlers (alouatta pigra).the influence of social factors on the modulation of male testosterone levels has been demonstrated among several vertebrate species. in addition to sexual activity, parental care and reproductive competition affect testosterone secretion. we examined variations in testosterone levels among male black howlers (alouatta pigra) in various social contexts. fecal samples were collected from nine males living in five different groups in the mexican state of campeche. the potential for intragroup and ...201121081132
the relative effects of reproductive condition, stress, and seasonality on patterns of parasitism in wild female black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra).parasitic infections in wildlife are shaped by host-related traits including individual reproductive condition. it has been argued that female primates are more susceptible to infectious diseases during pregnancy due to short-term changes in immune function that result in reduced ability to combat infections. likewise, lactation, which is the most energetically expensive state, may affect immunity and infection risk due to tradeoffs between milk production and maintenance of immune function. her ...201728407272
the effects of plant nutritional chemistry on food selection of mexican black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra): the role of lipids.understanding the nutritional basis of food selection is fundamental to evaluate dietary patterns and foraging strategies in primates. this research describes the phytochemical composition of the foods consumed by two groups of mexican black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) during a 15-month field study, and examines how plant nutritional chemistry affected food choice. based on indices of selectivity that reflected seasonal changes in the amount of different phenophases of the most consumed plan ...201726713884
the loss of behavioral diversity as a consequence of anthropogenic habitat disturbance: the social interactions of black howler monkeys.to date, no study has investigated how human disturbance affects the size of the behavioral repertoire of a species. the aim of the present study is to illustrate how measurement of behavioral diversity assists in documenting biodiversity loss, demonstrating that human disturbance has a negative effect on behavioral diversity. we studied the social interaction repertoire of 41 adult black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) belonging to 10 groups living in different habitats in campeche (mexico), an ...201626660682
individual participation in intergroup contests is mediated by numerical assessment strategies in black howler and tufted capuchin monkeys.asymmetries in resource-holding potential between opposing groups frequently determine outcomes of intergroup contests. since both numerical superiority and high intergroup dominance rank may confer competitive advantages, group members should benefit from assessing the relative strength of rivals prior to engaging in defensive displays. however, differences in individual assessment may emerge when cost-benefit trade-offs differ among group members. we examine the influence of numerical superior ...201526503680
primate extirpation from rainforest fragments does not appear to influence seedling recruitment.primates are important seed dispersers, especially of large-seeded tree species, but the impact that these animals have on seedling recruitment is unclear. evidence suggests that forest regeneration might be disrupted in forest fragments in which primates were extirpated. we tested this hypothesis by assessing seedling recruitment in 3 forest fragments occupied (of) by primates, 3 fragments unoccupied (uf) by primates, and 3 areas within a continuous forest (cf) in the lacandona rainforest, mexi ...201525556633
demographic population structure of black howler monkeys in fragmented and continuous forest in chiapas, mexico: implications for conservation.for wild primates, demography studies are increasingly recognized as necessary for assessing the viability of vulnerable populations experiencing rapid environmental change. in particular, anthropogenic changes such as habitat loss and fragmentation can cause ecological and behavioral changes in small, isolated populations, which may, over time, alter population density and demographic structure (age/sex classes and group composition) in fragment populations relative to continuous forest populat ...202032602598
detection of antimicrobial resistance genes in escherichia coli isolated from black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) and domestic animals in fragmented rain-forest areas in tabasco, mexico.the appearance and spread of antimicrobial resistance (amr) in bacteria in natural environments and wildlife are related to agricultural and livestock activities and are a global health and conservation problem. we assessed the presence of amr genes in escherichia coli isolated from black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra), sheep (ovis aries), cattle (bos taurus), and horses (equus caballus) from a highly fragmented forest in southern mexico. fresh fecal samples were collected using swabs, seeded o ...202032402234
evidence-based conservation education in mexican communities: connecting arts and science.several studies suggest that 63% of primate species are currently threatened due to deforestation, pet-trade, and bushmeat hunting. successful primate conservation strategies require effective educational programs capable of enhancing critical system-thinking and responsible behavior towards these species. arts-based conservation education can simultaneously foster cognitive and emotional processes. in this paper, we evaluate an arts-based educational program focused on the conservation of black ...202032017779
arboreal route navigation in a neotropical mammal: energetic implications associated with tree monitoring and landscape attributes.although navigating along a network of routes might constrain animal movement flexibility, it may be an energetically efficient strategy. routinely using the same route allows for visually monitoring of food resources, which might reduce the cognitive load and as such facilitate the process of movement decision-making. similarly, locating routes in areas that avoid costly landscape attributes will enhance their overall energy balance. in this study we determined the benefits of route navigation ...201931890215
spatial aggregation of fruits explains food selection in a neotropical primate (alouatta pigra).the availability and spatial distribution of food resources affect animal behavior and survival. black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) have a foraging strategy to balance their nutrient intake that involves mixing their consumption of leaves and fruits. the spatial aggregation of food items should impact this strategy, but how it does so is largely unknown. we quantified how leaf and fruit intake combined (here termed food set selection) was spatially aggregated in patches and how food aggregati ...201931857630
molecular detection of bifidobacterium spp. in faeces of black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra).bifidobacterium genus are considered to be beneficial bacteria for their hosts; however, knowledge about the specific species that are part of the gut microbiome of howler monkeys is scarce. polymerase chain reaction (pcr) is a useful technique for the identification of non-cultivable or difficult to grow bacterial species. with the goal of detecting species of the genus bifidobacterium in black howler monkeys, we used pcr on dna derived from faecal samples.201930520095
detection and prevalence of adenoviruses from free-ranging black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra).adenoviruses are important pathogens known to infect vertebrate hosts, including a wide range of primates. despite its importance, data on the diversity of these viruses in non-human primates living in their natural habitat remain scarce. in this study, we conducted a surveillance of adenoviral infection in wild black howler monkeys from two protected natural areas in mexico. this was achieved by analyzing 67 fecal samples using a nested pcr that targets the adenovirus dna polymerase gene. adeno ...201830238313
the influence of leaf consumption on time allocation in black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra).the analysis of factors that determine variation in time budgets is important to understand the interactions between environment, behaviour and fitness. we tested the hypothesis that changes in the dietary patterns of black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) caused by a decrease in the availability of preferred foods are a main determinant of variation in time budgets. we predicted that individuals would trade off travel time for resting time (i.e., minimize energy expenditure) as the diet included ...201829514166
salivary tannin-binding proteins are a pervasive strategy used by the folivorous/frugivorous black howler monkey.dietary tannins can affect protein digestion and absorption, be toxic, and influence food selection by being astringent and bitter tasting. animals that usually ingest tannins may regularly secrete tannin-binding salivary proteins (tbsps) to counteract the negative effects of tannins or tbsps production can be induced by a tannin-rich diet. in the wild, many primates regularly eat a diet that contains tannin-rich leaves and unripe fruit and it has been speculated that they have the physiological ...201829363818
flotation techniques (flotac and mini-flotac) for detecting gastrointestinal parasites in howler monkeys.analyses of environmental correlates of the composition of gastrointestinal parasite communities in black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) have been hindered by inadequate calibration techniques of detection and quantification methods of the parasites. here we calibrate samples and compare the likelihood of parasite detection using two flotation techniques, flotac and mini-flotac, and compare flotation solution, preservation method and dilution ratio for egg detection and counts of the most commo ...201729169387
through the eyes of children: drawings as an evaluation tool for children's understanding about endangered mexican primates.this study seeks to understand children's perceptions and knowledge of endangered mexican primates. the black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) is a charismatic species endemic to southern mexico, northern belize, and guatemala and is a symbol of the region that fosters a sense of local pride. therefore, it can be considered a flagship species for the forests of southern mexico. we evaluated the perception and knowledge that 297 mexican elementary school children (8-10 years old) have about black h ...201729095512
natural infection by trypanosoma cruzi in three species of non-human primates in southeast mexico: a contribution to reservoir knowledge.the mechanisms of infection and dispersion of trypanosoma cruzi among animals, especially in the sylvatic environment, are still not entirely clear. therefore, various aspects of the transmission dynamics of this parasite in the sylvatic environment are still unknown. t. cruzi is a parasite with a great biological and genetic diversity that infects a wide variety of hosts, therefore, the transmission cycles of this parasite are complex. the objective of this study was to determine t. cruzi infec ...202033166517
integrating expert knowledge and ecological niche models to estimate mexican primates' distribution.ecological niche modeling is used to estimate species distributions based on occurrence records and environmental variables, but it seldom includes explicit biotic or historical factors that are important in determining the distribution of species. expert knowledge can provide additional valuable information regarding ecological or historical attributes of species, but the influence of integrating this information in the modeling process has been poorly explored. here, we integrated expert knowl ...201829987701
some observations on the present distribution and conservation of alouatta and ateles in southern mexico.some information on the past and present distribution of alouatta and ateles in southern mexico and on the impact of habitat destruction on their future existence is presented. three surveys of primate populations and forest habitats were carried out between 1981 and 1983 in southeastern mexico. rapid destruction of the forest is reducing the number of forested areas where alouatta and ateles can exist and co-occur. illegal hunting of the two primates also contributes to their rapid decline. alo ...198432131562
x-linked signature of reproductive isolation in humans is mirrored in a howler monkey hybrid zone.reproductive isolation is a fundamental step in speciation. while sex chromosomes have been linked to reproductive isolation in many model systems, including hominids, genetic studies of the contribution of sex chromosome loci to speciation for natural populations are relatively sparse. natural hybrid zones can help identify genomic regions contributing to reproductive isolation, like hybrid incompatibility loci, since these regions exhibit reduced introgression between parental species. here, w ...202032725191
assessment of releases of translocated and rehabilitated yucatán black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) in belize to determine factors influencing survivorship.rehabilitation and reintroduction have become important to the management and welfare of primates worldwide. however, the suitability and success of these practices must be evaluated to determine their effectiveness as well as to improve programs and methods, as little is known about the factors influencing survival of released individuals. between 2011 and 2014, 28 howler monkeys, alouatta pigra, were released at fireburn reserve, northern belize by the primate rehabilitation centre of belize: ...201728852885
biochemical and hematological evaluations of black howler monkeys (alouatta pigra) in highly degraded landscapes in mexico.loss and fragmentation of neotropical primates' habitat can alter the health and individual adaptation. physiological parameters reflect health status and individuals responses to the habitat conditions.201728703877
new entamoeba group in howler monkeys (alouatta spp.) associated with parasites of reptiles.our knowledge of the parasite species present in wildlife hosts is incomplete. protozoans such as amoebae of the genus entamoeba infect a large variety of vertebrate species, including nhps. however, traditionally, their identification has been accomplished through microscopic evaluation; therefore, amoeba species have not always been identified correctly. we searched for entamoeba spp. using a fragment of the small subunit rdna in free-ranging howler monkeys (alouatta palliata and a. pigra) fro ...201728550645
from mexico to michigan and back: an international collaboration investigating primate behavior, ecology, and evolution from multiple perspectives.evolutionary research benefits form the integration of laboratory and field components to determine factors and processes that affect the evolutionary trajectories of species. our shared interest in understanding hybridization with genetic admixture as a process that may impact social, behavioral, and ecological features of primates, brought us together in a collaborative project aimed at addressing how vocal variation in two species of howler monkeys in mexico affects and is affected by hybridi ...201931183883
molecular phylogenetic inference of the howler monkey radiation (primates: alouatta).howler monkeys (alouatta), comprising between nine and 14 species and ranging from southern mexico to northern argentina, are the most widely distributed platyrrhines. previous phylogenetic studies of howlers have used chromosomal and morphological characters and a limited number of molecular markers; however, branching patterns conflict between studies or remain unresolved. we performed a new phylogenetic analysis of alouatta using both concatenated and coalescent-based species tree approaches ...202032876810
alouatta pigra males ignore a. palliata loud calls: a case of failed rival recognition?when closely related species overlap geographically, selection may favor species-specific mate recognition traits to avoid hybridization costs. conversely, the need to recognize potential same-sex rivals may select for lower specificity, creating the possibility that selection in one domain constrains evolution in the other. despite a wealth of data on mate recognition, studies addressing rival recognition between hybridizing species are limited to a few bird species. using naïve populations, we ...201829484643
effects of variation in forest fragment habitat on black howler monkey demography in the unprotected landscape around palenque national park, mexico.habitat loss and fragmentation are leading threats to biodiversity today, and primates are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic habitat disturbance. however, few studies have examined how differential effects of variation in forest fragment characteristics on males and females in a primate population may affect demography and population persistence. we quantified the effects of variation in forest fragment characteristics on the within-fragment demography of black howler monkeys (alouatta pi ...202032864215
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