GEOPHAGY IN MASKED TITI MONKEYS (CALLICEBUS-PERSONATUS-MELANOCHIR) INBRAZIL

Geophagy was observed 14 times during an 11-month field study on the e cology and behavior of masked titi monkeys (Callicebus personatus mela nochir). Geophagy took place in 12 cases on the surface of a leaf-cutt ing ant mound (Alta spec.). Analysis of chemical composition and natur al features of the soils consumed by the monkeys showed elevated conce ntrations of several elements. In contrast, a lower concentration of c arbohydrates was found in the ant mound sample compared to random non- ant mound soil samples. No difference in the concentration of clay ele ments, pH-value or percentage of organic matter was found between ant mound samples and randomly collected soil samples. Comparison of used versus not used samples failed to reveal significant clues about funct ion of geophagy. However, chemical and physical properties of soils in gested support previous hypothesis that this behavior may aid in the a dsorbtion of plant toxins.