Locomotion and postures of red howlers in a deciduous forest‐savanna interface

Abstract

Positional (postural and locomotor) patterns and substrates used by the seven adults of a free‐ranging troop of red howling monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) were identified and sampled during their feeding and resting. Traveling patterns and substrates were noted but not quantified. Arboreal locomotor behaviors were pronograde quadrupedalism, some leaping, bridging, lowering, and pull up. Sitting and reclining were the most frequent postures. Tail suspension and arboreal bipedal stance were used when feeding. Predominant locomotor behaviors were those in which limbs appeared to be compression stressed. There were no limb suspensions. The monkeys used the entire tree canopy, that of the low shrubs, and did a good deal of travel on the ground. The lack of forelimb suspension is attributed to the inability of these howlers to hang beneath supports and look forward at the same time; the impediment is created by the size of the vocal organs in the neck. The locomotion of these monkeys is offered to depict that of Aegyptopithecus zeuxis.