Ethnoecology, Resource Use, Conservation And Development In A ...

frutescens) and zudu (Parinari sp.) were all mentioned once. Three interviewees
mentioned that spider monkeys call more often during this time of food stress, and
several that they are fat during the rainy season, at which time of year they are
hunted. Nine interviewees considered the relationship to seeds, and all described a
process of endozoochorous dispersal. Seven of these indicated that seeds of all
species whose fruits are eaten are dispersed in this fashion, while two believed
dispersal to be more selective. Only one of the latter two specified, saying that only
the seeds of various species of Inga were dispersed in this fashion. Three interviewees
described how water is obtained from holes in trees where it collects.
Figures given for group size were fairly consistent in all but one case; these
answers ranged from 1-15, with the aberrant answer being 30-40. Among the other
answers, all encompass the range 4-6, which can be regarded as a modal value within
the broader range mentioned. A single interviewee described a fusion-fission
organisation, where a large group who share a single sleeping tree will disperse in
smaller groups for the day's foraging. Other information on social dynamics was
limited and contradictory: one interviewee said that young disperse from their natal
groups at maturity, another that individuals remain with the natal group for life.
All seven interviewees who talked about activity patterns agreed this species is
diurnal. Eleven interviewees specified a resting place, an emergent tree, and six of
these suggested that a single species, itki'izi, serves this purpose. Eight
interviewees maintained that groups have fixed home ranges. Two of these said that
a group would return to the same tree, or one of a number of suitable trees known to
them, to sleep. Another two believed that a group would defend its area from
incursions by other groups. Three interviewees disagreed, saying that groups do not
move within any specific areas. Of five interviewees talking about habitat use, four
remarked that this species is found only in high forest, although one of these and one
other individual did say that on rare occasions individuals might emerge temporarily
onto the savannah.
Eight interviewees talking about litter size all agreed that a single young is born.
Six located the breeding season at around the same time, although this was
expressed in a variety of ways: three said rainy season, two said the month of May,
and one reported at the time when food is abundant. Only one interviewee
contradicted this, saying there is no particular breeding season.
In considering predation, nine interviewees identified the harpy eagle as the major
predator, while one said that humans were the only predators. Four interviewees
described a habit of throwing debris such as rotten wood at people.