Predation risk is important in influencing animal behaviour. We investigated how the choice of nocturnal sleeping and diurnal resting sites by two species of primates was influenced by the most likely forms of attack (diurnal raptors and nocturnal felids). We recorded vertical and horizontal patterns of occupancy for 47 sleeping and 31 resting sites, as well as the presence of lianas or vines on trees. We compared the heights of trees used as resting or sleeping sites by the monkeys with those of 200 forest trees that the monkeys did not use. Trees used as nocturnal sleeping sites were taller than those used as diurnal resting sites, and taller than trees that the monkeys did not use. However, while trees used as diurnal resting sites were not significantly taller than non-used trees, diurnal resting sites were located on branches closer to the ground, closer to the main trunk of the tree and in trees with more lianas/vines than nocturnal sleeping sites. The differences in site location can be explained by the type of predator most likely to attack at a particular time: raptors in the day and felids at night.

Skunks (Mephitidae) have not been well studied throughout the Neotropics. In Brazil there is a general lack of data on the ecology, behavior, distribution, systematics, morphology and biogeographic patterns of the two species occurring in the country (Conepatus semistriatus and C chinga). The focus of this study was on understanding the home range and activity patterns of C. semistriatus. Field research was conducted in the Emas National Park, where three skunks with radio-collars were located on 157 separate occasions. The observed pattems of activity indicate that the species is predominantly nocturnal, with a great expenditure of time on foraging. Temperature had a direct influence on the animal's behavior, but there was no apparent influence of light on activity pattems. Average home range areas were 1.39 ± 0.87 km^ (Minimum Convex Polygon method) and 0.69 ± 0.25 km^ (Local Convex Hull method). There was high home range overlap between individuals, 0.27 km^ based on the Minimum Convex Polygon method, at sites with easy access to resources.

Expanding the knowledge on natural history of Carnivores allows to understand mechanisms species developed for survival and improve decision making aiming conservation. Studies on eco-morphological aspects of skunks, as Conepatus amazonicus, are scarce and from small samples. We assessed roadkill individuals, faeces, camera trap records, and biometric data to describe the feeding ecology, activity period and morphology of skunks in agroecosystems and protected areas in the Brazilian Savanna. Invertebrates represented critical items in the diet in agroecosystems and protected areas, and due an intermediate niche breadth (0.545) skunks cannot be classified as specialists or generalists. Males and females have total niche overlap (0.94), and the diversity of items was not affected by proximity to urban centres. Animals develop their activities during the night, with 93% (n = 71) of records from sunset to sunrise. Males (2.56 kg) are 30% heavier than females (1.96 kg), suggesting sexual dimorphism for C. amazonicus t = -3.7151; d.f. = 29; P < 0.0001). Foot size and dentition were also larger in males, corroborating the sexual selection hypothesis. Behavioural and morphological adaptations favour predation on insects, prey of low physical resistance, that are also available in environments modified for agriculture. This is the first study to report sexual dimorphism in C. amazonicus. Our results fill a gap in the knowledge of a species that plays unique role in ecosystem function, suggesting skunks represent the primary small-sized omnivorous-insectivorous occupying the Savanna.