THE ECOLOGY OF THE INTRODUCED PATAS MONKEY (ERYTHROCEBUS-PATAS) POPULATION OF SOUTHWESTERN PUERTO-RICO

This paper presents the results of a study on the introduced, free-ran ging patas monkey population of Southwestern Puerto Rico (SWPR). It de scribes information on the population size, social group composition, diet, daily ranging patterns, and patas home range during a 3 year per iod. The patas monkey population in the study area consisted of approx imately 120 individuals in four heterosexual groups and several all-ma le bands. Within their home ranges (26.8 km(2)), the population densit y was 4.47 individuals/km(2). Home range size among the population's f our heterosexual groups varied from 3.72 km(2) to 15.39 km(2), and min imum daily distance traveled ranged from 0.8-2.0 km. In general, the s ocial structure and mating system of this population parallels what ha s been described for African populations. However, habitat use, rangin g behavior, and the quality of intergroup interactions suggests that p atas of this population exhibit territorial behavior. Am. J. Primatol. 45:351-365, 1998. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.