Seed dispersal patterns in two closely related howler monkey species (Alouatta palliata and A. pigra): a preliminary report of differences in fruit consumption, traveling behavior, and associated dung beetle assemblages

A four-month comparative study of two howler monkey species, Alouatta palliata and A. pigra, in southern Mexico reveals significant differences in their roles as seed dispersers. Despite consuming similar quantities of seeds (approximately 13,000 each), the mantled howler monkey (A. palliata) dispersed fewer seed species (13 vs. 31) than the black howler monkey (A. pigra). The A. palliata group exhibited larger home ranges and day ranges, attracting more dung beetles, including a higher proportion of ball-rolling species, compared to the A. pigra group, which attracted predominantly burrowing dung beetles. These findings underscore the importance of considering foraging behavior, ranging patterns, and associated secondary dispersers when assessing primate seed dispersal dynamics in tropical rainforests.

Amato, K. R., & Estrada, A. (2010). Seed dispersal patterns in two closely related howler monkey species (Alouatta palliata and A. pigra): a preliminary report of differences in fruit consumption, traveling behavior, and associated dung beetle assemblages. Neotropical Primates, 17(2), 59–66. https://doi.org/10.1896/044.017.0203