Migration in Wild Capuchin Monkeys

在大多数灵长类动物中，一个性别的成员在青春期左右迁移，离开他们的出生群体，试图加入另一个群体，然后在那里繁殖。关于何时，何地，和谁一起迁徙的决定可能是这些个体做出的最重要的决定，因为它们对死亡风险以及获得繁殖机会有着巨大的影响。在白面卷尾猴（Cebus capucinus）中，雄性会多次迁徙，而雌性则留在它们的出生群体中。雄企鹅要么单独迁徙，要么与同伴一起迁徙。因为接替雄性领袖地位的新移民往往会杀死婴儿，所以可以预期，新移民的存在对女性和男性来说都是压力的来源。该项目是一项为期18年的研究的延续，该研究记录了107只白面卷尾猴在11个社会群体中的生活史，将收集人口统计和行为数据，以及基因和激素数据（从粪便中非侵入性收集），以了解影响雄性迁徙策略的因素，以及雌性试图保护后代免受新移民可能会杀死婴儿的反策略。大量的行为记录将能够检验关于关系质量、游戏经验和个性对特定迁移策略有效性的影响的假设。洛玛斯巴布达尔猴子项目将为18名学生提供为期一年的实习机会，为他们进入研究生院和环保工作做准备。该项目还为博士后和研究生提供研究机会。PI和长期研究助理担任哥斯达黎加公园管理局和当地土地所有者的顾问，提供重新造林的建议，以及减轻开发和旅游业对野生动物的负面影响的方法。项目工作人员还制作教育材料，并在研究地点附近的小学进行有关保护的演讲。

In most primate species, the members of one sex migrate around the time of puberty, leaving their birth group and attempting to join another group in which they then reproduce. Decisions about when, where, and with whom to migrate are possibly the most important decisions that these individuals make, because they have tremendous impact on risk of death, as well as access to breeding opportunities. In white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus), males migrate multiple times, whereas females remain in their birth groups. Males migrate either singly or with allies. Because new immigrants who take over the alpha male position often kill infants, it may be expected that the presence of recent immigrants is a source of stress for females as well as males. This project, a continuation of an 18-year study documenting the life histories of 107 white-faced capuchin monkeys in 11 social groups, will collect demographic and behavioral data, as well as genetic and hormonal data (collected non-invasively from feces) to access the factors that contribute to migration strategies for males, and counter-strategies for females trying to protect their offspring from new immigrants who might kill the infants. Extensive behavioral records will enable testing of hypotheses regarding the effects of relationship quality, play experience and personality on the effectiveness of particular migration tactics. The Lomas Barbudal Monkey Project will provide year-long internships to 18 students, preparing them for graduate school and conservation jobs. The project also provides research opportunities for postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. The PI and the long-term research assistants serve as consultants to the Costa Rican Park Service and local landowners by providing recommendations for reforestation and ways to mitigate the negative effects of development and tourism on wildlife. Project staff members also create educational materials and give presentations on conservation at primary schools near the study site.