Gestural communication in wild spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi)

• DOI: 10.1007/s10071-024-01854-w
• Publication Date: 2024-03-02T03:01:35Z
• Authors: Felipe Villa-Larenas; Miquel Llorente; Katja Liebal; Federica Amici
• Keywords: Consciousness. Cognition; Repertoire size; Original Paper; Atelinae; Gestures; Communication; Visual and tactile gestures; Individuality; Ateles geoffroyi; Primates -- Behavior; Animal Communication; QL1-991; Primats -- Hàbits i conducta; Intentionality; Platyrrhines; Humans; Animals; Zoology; BF309-499

Abstract Gestures play a central role in the communication systems of several animal families, including primates. In this study, we provide first assessment gestural Platyrrhine species, Geoffroy’s spider monkeys ( Ateles geoffroyi ). We observed wild group 52 and assessed distribution visual tactile gestures group, size individual repertoires intentionality effectiveness individuals’ production. Our results showed that younger were more likely than older ones to use gestures. contrast, found no inter-individual differences probability producing Repertoire did not vary with age, but accounting for recipients’ attentional state was higher ones, especially modality. Using vocalizations right before gesture increased gesturing towards attentive recipients receiving response, although age had effect on being responded. Overall, our study provides evidence production confirms taxon as valid candidate research communication.