Talks.cam

Tool Use by Capuchin Monkeys in Sierra da Capivara National Park (Brazil) - Dr. Tiago Falotico (School of Archaeology, University of Oxford)
2015-02-25 16:30 - 17:30 UTC | BioAnth Lecture Theatre (Room 41), Division of Biological Anthropology, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QG
The use of stone tools by wild bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) is known in many populations in Savannah-like environments in Brazil. However, only the population of Serra da Capivara National Park is known to have an enhanced tool-kit which is used for nut-cracking but also to access hidden resources (e.g. aid in digging for tubers or spiders), and in sexual displays. Additionally, it is also the only population known to use frequently probe stick tools to reach for honey and expel prey from hiding places. This great diversity of tool use cannot be explained by ecological factors alone and is probably the result of behavioural traditions in these groups.
