Feeding behavior of captive capuchin monkeys as a function of food type, abundance, and distribution

This study was undertaken to determine whether the spatial distribution, abundance, and type of food items in a captive enclosure affects the feeding success of tufted capuchins (Cebus apella). High and low preference food items were presented to a captive group of tufted capuchins (mean group size 24) under conditions of scarcity and abundance in both clumped and scattered fashion. Additionally, observations were made when all food items were presented on one side of the enclosure and when food items were presented on both sides. Contest competition occurred in the presence of scarce high preference food. Higher ranking animals both obtained more food items and spent more time feeding in the presence of scarce high preference food items as compared to lower ranking animals, regardless of whether food items were scattered on one or both sides of the enclosure. When preferred food items were clumped and placed on one side of the enclosure, higher ranking animals again experienced greater feeding success when these items were scarce, as compared to lower ranking animals. Clumped food items placed on both sides of the enclosure produced mixed results: higher ranking animals spent more time feeding and obtained more food items whenever preferred food was present, whether scarce or abundant; however, higher ranking animals spent more time feeding on low preference food items only when they were scarce. Competitive behavior occurred among the subjects when high preference food was abundant, but rank was not correlated with success at obtaining food items or time spent feeding. Abundant low preference food items scattered about the enclosure resulted in no competition. Food solicitations increased in the presence of preferred food items, while low preference food introduced into the same area did not produce the same effect. Agonistic behavior occurred more often and a greater proportion of solicitations were resisted by the food holder in the presence of preferred food items. Throughout all conditions, animals actively attempting to take food items from others were resisted more than those animals merely showing an interest in the food items of another.