info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Environmental determinants of birth seasonality in night monkeys (Aotus azarai) of the Argentinean Chaco
Fecha
2002-06Registro en:
Fernandez Duque, Eduardo; Rotundo, Marcelo; Ramirez Llorens, Patricio Marcelo; Environmental determinants of birth seasonality in night monkeys (Aotus azarai) of the Argentinean Chaco; Springer/Plenum Publishers; International Journal of Primatology; 23; 3; 6-2002; 639-656
0164-0291
1573-8604
CONICET Digital
CONICET
Autor
Fernandez Duque, Eduardo
Rotundo, Marcelo
Ramirez Llorens, Patricio Marcelo
Resumen
The night monkeys (Aotus azarai) of Formosa, Argentina provide an opportunity to investigate the influences of ambient temperature and photoperiod on reproduction in a highly seasonal environment: the Chaco. Between 1997 and 2000, we collected data to evaluate the relationship between rainfall, ambient temperature, photoperiod and food availability and the annual distribution of mating behavior and births in 15 groups of monkeys in the forests of the Eastern Argentinean Chaco. Our data show that the area is highly seasonal, characterized by significant fluctuations in rainfall, temperature, photoperiod and food availability. There are two rain peaks in April and November and a dry season lasting from June to August. Monthly mean temperatures were on average 11°C lower during winter months than they were during summer months. Temperatures <10°C and >33°C were also frequent through the year. Days are 3 h longer during the summer than during the winter months. Insect abundance and the percentage of tree species producing fruits, flowers or new leaves reached a low in the coldest winter months. Mating was infrequent, and we only observed it between May and September. Half the births (n = 13) occurred during a 2-week period in October. Infant survival during the first 6 mo of life was high (96%). Our findings suggest an environmental control of reproduction. Changes in photoperiod and temperature may promote reproductive activity in females that might conceive and begin pregnancy at a time void of high temperatures that could be metabolically challenging.