Owl Monkeys (Aotus spp.) Perform Self- and Social Anointing in Captivity

Abstract

Several species of primates, including owl monkeys (Aotus spp.), anoint by rubbing their fur with odiferous substances. Previous research has shown that capuchin monkeys (Cebus and Sapajus) anoint socially by rubbing their bodies together in groups of two or more while anointing. Owl monkeys housed at the DuMond Conservancy have been observed to anoint over the last 10 years, and we report detailed new information on the anointing behavior of this population, including descriptions of social anointing which occurs frequently. We first investigated the occurrence of self-anointing in 35 Aotus spp. presented with millipedes. Detailed descriptions regarding body regions anointed were obtained for all anointers (n = 28). The median duration for a self-anointing bout was 3.6 min (range from approx. 2 s to 14.15 min). While the latency and length of anointing bouts showed considerable interindividual differences, no statistically significant differences were found between sexes, wild- or captive-born owl monkeys or across age groups. However, we found the lower back and tail were anointed at a rate significantly greater than other body parts, but there were no differences in these patterns across sex or wild- or captive-born owl monkeys. More recently, social anointing was investigated in 26 Aotus spp. presented with millipedes, of which half were observed to anoint socially. The average duration for all social anointing bouts was 72.88 s, with a median duration of 30 s (range 5-322 s). A detailed ethogram was also generated that included behaviors that were performed while anointing, including facial expressions and vocalizations. The intraindividual variability for 8 monkeys used in both investigations is discussed. These findings extend our knowledge of anointing and confirm the existence of social anointing in another genus with a unique biology (nocturnal and socially monogamous) distinct from capuchins.

Self-anointing behaviour in captive titi monkeys (Callicebus spp.)

“…Neotropical primates have been recorded using olfactory cues to signal territorial, social and reproductive behaviours Heymann, 2006;Jefferson et al, 2014). According to Lynch-Alfaro et al (2012), restricted locations on the body and lack of sociality for self-anointing behaviour could indicate that medicinal use is less likely to occur.…”

“…), owl (Aotus spp.) and capuchin monkeys (Cebus and Sapajus) have been found to use selfanointing as a method of scent marking (olfactory communication or enhanced sociality) between individuals (Laska et al, 2007;Lynch-Alfaro et al, 2012;Jefferson et al, 2014). Given that individuals often interact with each other while self-anointing, this behaviour may reinforce social bonds and may be a form of social convention such as handclasp grooming in chimpanzees (McGrew and Tutin, 1978;Campbell, 2000;Carnegie et al, 2006;Laska et al, 2007;Leca et al, 2007;Suomi, 2008, 2012) and hand sniffing in white-faced capuchins (Perry et al, 2003).…”

Why do birds practice anting?

“…The consolidated list of objects they use for this purpose is rather long; some cebid monkeys use ants (Weldon and Carroll, 2006;Lynch Alfaro et al, 2012;Jefferson et al, 2014). Thus, the term anting is formally applicable to birds only, although this is only a remote analogy between the behavioral patterns of representatives belonging to two classes (Simmons, 1966).…”

“…The cebid monkeys, as well as night monkeys (family Aotidae), practice not only self anointing or individual/solitary form of fur rub bing but also social anointing or a social form of fur rubbing with ants, diplopods, other invertebrates, some parts of plants including fruits, and some soil types. In the last case, two or several conspecific indi viduals are in close contact and rub against one another while anointing their fur (Leca et al, 2007;Lynch Alfaro et al, 2012;Jefferson et al, 2014; Mon key medicine at living links in Edinburgh Zoo, http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5TDlG441gA).…”

“…Birds using members of this taxa for anointing plumage have been observed in different parts of the world (Parkes et al, 2003), and primates anointing their fur with them have been observed in the New World (Valderrama et al, 2000;Lynch Alfaro et al, 2012;Jefferson et al, 2014). The toxins secreted by Diplopoda (for example, some benzoquinones) may be dangerous not only for ecto parasites, but also for higher vertebrates once these substances enter their bodies.…”