Titi Monkey

Description:

Titi monkeys are primarily frugivorous and some species are seed predators. Group territories are small (roughly 5 to 12 hectares) and daily range length is typically under 800 meters. Larger groups tend to have longer daily range lengths. Group size is small in titi monkeys, between 2 and 5 individuals, and groups consist of a monogamous pair and their offspring. Like other monogamous species, titi adults are roughly the same weight and size. The adults in titi social groups are highly territorial and give loud duets, typically at dawn, when other pairs are calling from their territories. A close pair bond is often found between the adult male and adult female in a group. They often entwine their tails during duets and as well as during other times of the day (such as during rest), and grooming takes up almost 10% of the daily time budget. Male titi monkeys participate in parental care of offspring and both sexes emigrate from their natal social group. Kinzey, W., Robinson, J. (1983) Intergroup loud calls, range size and spacing in Callicebus torquatus. American Journal of Physical Anthropology: 60: 539-544. Wright, P. (1986) Ecological correlates of monogamy in Aotus and Callicebus. In Else, J., Lees, P. (eds): Primate Ecology and Conservation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press:159-167.

Habitat:

Titi monkeys are found in a wide variety of forest types and seem to prefer dense vegetation.

Notes:

This cute little monkey was living in a small village along a river somewhere in the jungles of Ecador, roughly half way between Coco and Shell. To get there one would need to travel a few hours down dirt roads, and then a few hours up river via dugout canoes outfitted with outboard motors. This monkey was being kept as a pet of sorts by the people of this village. This photo was taken inside a hut of one of the families in the village. I hope to post more photos of some of the wildlife, and fauna, at a later date.