Tree holes as a source of water for primate species in an Amazonian Forest fragment, northern Brazil

TL;DR

This study shows how two primate species in the Amazon use tree holes as a water source, using different methods to access the water.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into primate water consumption strategies in fragmented Amazonian forests.

Findings

Ateles chamek used their tails to access water from tree holes.

Sapajus apella used leaves as tools to collect water from tree holes.

Tree holes may be important water sources for primates in fragmented habitats.

Abstract

Water is an essential nutrient for living beings and is fundamental to metabolic processes. Under free-living conditions, primate individuals can use different strategies, skills, and resources to access water. Here, we report on observations of water consumption in Ateles chamek and Sapajus apella; describe the environmental conditions in which such events were observed, as well as the behavior of the individuals; and compare these observations with similar records in neotropical primates. Water consumption was observed during primate surveys in a forest fragment of approximately 52 ha bordered by the Jaru River, located southwest of the Brazilian Amazon, Vale do Paraíso municipality, state of Rondônia, Brazil. To access water, individuals of A. chamek used their tails, whereas S. apella used a leaf as a tool. Our observations suggest that tree holes may be important water sources for primates in forest fragments and that individuals of different species use different strategies to collect water from tree holes. Access and consumption strategies are directly associated with different cognitive skills and behaviors, which may include using tools, as in the case of capuchins. As water consumption records are limited, these findings highlight the need for continuous reporting to better understand water acquisition. Such reports are especially needed in the context of fragmented and degraded habitats, where water availability is affected by edge effects and the reduction in both fleshy fruits and moisture, which are important for primate species.

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