Water Intake By A Group Of Alouatta Clamitans (Primates: Atelidae), On An Araucaria Pine Forest: Seasonal, Sex-Age And Circadian Variations

Direct observations on the drinking behavior of species of Alouatta Lacepede, 1799 are uncommon among wild animals. Seasonal fluctuations were noticed in the frequency of water intake, which were related to the availability of different alimentary items in the environment. The aim of this study was...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Revista brasileira de zoologia 2008-09, Vol.25 (3), p.558-562
Main Authors: Moro-Rios, Rodrigo F, Serur-Santos, Cibelle S, Miranda, Joao MD
Format: Article
Language:eng ; por
Subjects:
Alouatta
Araucaria
Primates
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Summary:Direct observations on the drinking behavior of species of Alouatta Lacepede, 1799 are uncommon among wild animals. Seasonal fluctuations were noticed in the frequency of water intake, which were related to the availability of different alimentary items in the environment. The aim of this study was to quantify the records of water intake by a group of Alouatta clamitans Cabrera, 1940, as well as to analyze its seasonal, circadian and sex-age variations. Water intake was related to feeding periods during the day. There was correlation between water intake and ingestion of seeds. The sex-age analysis demonstrated that females drank more water than infants. We suggest that water sources might be important factors for the configuration of the group's daily course. Water intake was directly related to the quantity of secondary compounds from ingested seeds. Metabolic requirements inherent to lactation possibly stimulated adult females to drink larger amounts of water. Though uncommon, water consumption must be considered a factor that plays an important role, since it makes possible the howler monkey's survival under certain environmental conditions.
ISSN:0101-8175
DOI:10.1590/S0101-81752008000300024