Enclosure use by aged squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) (2004)

Taylor, L., Owens, A.

Abstract

A group of squirrel monkeys was translocated from an indoor exhibit to an outdoor enclosure. The monkeys were scored most often among the largest and highest branches in the tallest tree in the enclosure (17.7% ). Males were scored more often in the highest parts of the trees (10% of scores) in comparison to females (8% of scores), a pattern consistent with the behavior of their wild conspecifics. None were ever scored on the ground, despite the water source being there and the insect foraging opportunities. Static substrates were preferred (64.3%). Dynamic substrates, like rope walkways, were used primarily during locomotion (33.8%) from one static location to another. Moving feeding sites did not change the use pattern of substrate type, only the paths they took to and from the food. The oldest animals were scored least often on moving substrates (16%).