Ground Nesting Behavior of Aotus griseimembra: Rare Terrestrial Evidence in A Strictly Arboreal Species

Abstract

We report a novel observation of ground nesting behavior in a couple of Aotus griseimembra within a successional inter-Andean Forest patch of Colombia. This behavior, previously unrecorded for strictly arboreal primates of the Genus Aotus, challenges conventional understanding. The monkeys exhibited typical species actions but sought refuge on the ground, possibly influenced by habitat alterations. Their visits to the ground sleeping site were monitored and confirmed the vulnerability to predators, competitors in the forest patch. These findings call the attention for further research into the response strategies of neotropical primates to environmental stressors and habitat disturbance.

Keywords

• Caribbean Owl monkey
• Forest Fragmentation
• Neotropical Primates