Behavioral Associations in Old World Monkeys: An Aid to Captive Management

The Ebo forest in Cameroon contains a unique collection of rare and endangered flora and fauna including at least ten diurnal primate species. Of particular interest are several Old World monkeys (guenons, mangabeys, colobines, and drills) that are living sympatrically within certain regions of the forest. This level of biodiversity is extremely important biologically and also provides a wonderful opportunity for behavioral study and subsequent integration of findings with the multiple primate species exhibits at the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park.

Specifically, five guenon species have been observed (putty-nosed monkey Cercopithecus nictitans; Mona monkey Cercopithecus mona; red-eared monkey Cercopithecus erythrotis; Preuss’s guenon Cercopithecus preussi, and the crowned guenon Cercopithecus pogonias) along with the red-capped mangabey Cercocebus torquatus in the same area of the forest. Such polyspecific associations provide the possibility of not only understanding the behavior of the individual monkey species but also how the different species interact with one another. The study represents a unique chance to understand the sensory ecology of sympatric co-habitation in Old World monkeys. By recording both intra- and interspecific vocalizations (and related behaviors), and utilizing playback techniques, we will be able to more fully understand how these species live together. In doing so we will also be able to glean important information relating to improving captive polyspecific associations and the development of new exhibits at both the Zoo and Wild Animal Park. This will include behavioral and vocal aspects along with an understanding of dietary requirements and other ecological factors. In addition, the possibility of endocrine monitoring both in the field and in managed care raises the possibility of understanding the role of both reproductive and stress hormones in relation to reproductive success.

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Read blogs about the Ebo forest area in the Field Studies category.