Resource use and seed dispersal by red howler monkeys (<i>Alouatta seniculus</i>) in a Colombian Andean forest

• DOI: 10.1896/044.014.0202
• Publication Date: 2009-07-13T08:06:16Z
• Authors: Paula Giraldo; Carolina Gómez-Po...; Jesús Martínez; Gustavo Kattan
• Keywords: Home range; Cebidae; Dry season

&#x0D; As part of a study responses by red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) to forest fragmentation, we studied howlers in an extensive including habitat mosaic old-growth forest, secondary different ages, and non-commercial monospecific plantations exotic Chinese ash (Fraxinus chinensis) pines, produce baseline information on resource use their role as seed dispersers. We followed three troops for six months, encompassing dry wet season; total, they fed 48 species trees, fruits, leaves flowers, but each group relied limited set available within its home range, particularly the Moraceae Cecropiaceae. This contrasts with lowland where feed larger variety species. observed no season generalized fruit scarcity, is case lowlands. However, localized scarcities ranges occurred. Howlers relatively small quantities when was available, became primarily folivorous unavailable. transported mean 2.3 seeds per fecal sample, distance 116 m from parent tree. More importantly, are transporting pine plantations, helping enrich these habitats.&#x0D;