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IPS Conference 2006
Abstracts
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Abstract # 13:
Scheduled for Monday,
June 26, 2006
05:10 PM-05:30 PM:
Session 1 (Kuku)
Symposium
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REDEFINING THE ROLE OF CRYPSIS IN PREDATOR DEFENSE BY SLENDER LORISES AND POTTOS |
K. A. Nekaris1, E. R. Pimley2 and K. M. Ablard1
1Oxford Brookes University, School of Social Science and Law, Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Oxford, OX3 OBP, United Kingdom, 2Central Science Laboratory, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom |
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| Lorises and pottos have long been considered amongst the most cryptic of the primates. In this contribution, we provide information from two field studies regarding how slender lorises (Loris lydekkerianus nordicus, L. tardigradus tardigradus) and pottos (Perodicticus potto edwardsi) confront actual and potential predators. We assess predation risk by describing the degree to which lorises and pottos use vocal communication; describing how they modify behavior in the face of potential predators; and exploring the function of olfactory behavior. Field studies were carried out in Cameroon (pottos) and Sri Lanka (lorises), using a combination of all occurrences and instantaneous point sampling. Results show that although lorises and pottos are cryptically adapted to avoid predator detection, they differ greatly in other behavioral mechanisms that usually fall under the category of crypsis. Pottos were less vocal, less gregarious, and more cautious in the face of potential predators than lorises. Pottos and lorises have evolved independent means to contend with predators upon detection – the potto is silent but uses a defensive shield, while the loris uses loud vocalizations; both taxa may also use alarm pheromones. Olfactory communication is vital to these lorisiforms; its role in predator defense should be considered in future studies. Our study further elucidates that despite similar adaptations for methodical locomotion, the behaviour of lorises and pottos is characterized by more variability than previously acknowledged. |
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Modified: 18 December 2005
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