Unusual Interactions
Capuchin monkeys on Jicarón Island were observed carrying baby howler monkeys, a behavior not seen before in the wild, sparking curiosity and extensive study among researchers.
The behavior, described as a "cultural fad," involved at least five subadult and juvenile male capuchins abducting 11 howler infants over 15 months, with no evidence of care or predation.
Research and Findings
Researchers utilized camera traps to gather data, discovering the behavior spread among young male capuchins, highlighting a potential social learning aspect.
Despite the lack of direct observation, the study suggests a possible new tradition among the capuchins, raising questions about the motivation behind these interactions and their impact on the endangered howler population.