Habitat preferences, diet, feeding strategy and social organization of the black spider monkey (Ateles paniscus paniscus) in Surinam / Marc G. M. van Roosmalen.

Tese (doutor) - Research Institute for Nature Management, 1980

This study describes habitat choice of the Surinam black spider monkey (Ateles paniscus paniscus) and clarifies complex temporal and spatial effects of food sources on the behaviour of a group of spider monkeys in a 350 ha study area in north-central Surinam in terms of food category, food plant identity and phenology, and in terms of quantity, density and dispersion of the most importat of these food sources. It recognizes the fundamental importance of mature fruit feeding to spider monkey foraging strategy and discusses implications of diet to social behaviour. From a conservational point of view, this study is essential in emphasizing the extreme vulnerability of the spider monkey to hunting and to habitat destruction, and in providing with detailed information of its habitat choice and dietary requirements, so urgently needed in order to assess in a responsible way the site of areas to protect and the potential of already proposed protected areas. The spider monkey may serve as an important "indicator" species, reflecting the degree of disturbance of Amazonian tropical rain forests.