Variation in chewing efficiency of Yakushima Japanese macaque ( Macaca fuscata yakui )

Seasonal and regional variations in chewing efficiency were observed among Yakushima Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui), with significant differences in fecal particle size and the proportion of finest particles. While seasonal changes in diet composition influenced chewing efficiency, this effect was mitigated by selective feeding behaviors. Regional variations, particularly in the summit zone, were attributed to bamboo consumption. The study used sieving analysis on fecal samples collected from lowland, highland, and summit areas between 2015 and 2016 to assess these patterns.

He, T., Honda, T., Kurihara, Y., & Thiery, G. (2019). Variation in chewing efficiency of Yakushima Japanese macaque ( Macaca fuscata yakui ). American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 171(1), 110–119. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.23955