OLFACTORY COMMUNICATION AMONG COSTA-RICAN SQUIRREL-MONKEYS - A FIELD-STUDY

Behaviors with a possible role in olfactory communication among troop members were investigated as part of a field study on the reproductive and foraging ecology of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri oerstedi) in Costa Rica. All age classes engaged in the olfaction-related behaviors. Apar t from olfactory investigation of female genitals by males during the mating season, no other potential olfaction-related behavior (urine wa sh, branch investigation, rump, chest, back rub and sneeze) exceeded 1 % of mean behavioral samples. Assessment of reproduction condition ap pears to be the primary function of such olfactory investigation of th e female genital region. The primary function of urine washing is sugg ested to be the general communication of reproductive status, possibly facilitating reproductive synchrony. Sneezing, rump, back and chest r ubbing do not appear to deposit substances active in olfactory communi cation.