Capuchin monkeys are kidnapping baby howler monkeys in a bizarre, lethal new pattern of behavior.
In a fascinating discovery, a male capuchin monkey named Joker has been observed abducting baby howler monkeys on Panama's Jicarón Island. Over a period of four months, Joker has been documented carrying at least four baby howler monkeys, sometimes holding onto them for extended periods while engaging in other activities[1][2][5].
Initially, researchers, led by Zoë Goldsborough, thought Joker's behavior could be a form of adoption among primates. However, further analysis has determined this to be a case of interspecies abduction, not adoption[3]. The motivation for Joker's behavior remains unclear, but it's possible he had a caring motivation[1][2][4].
This behavior is notably rare, as males typically do not carry infants. Female primates usually carry the young, but Joker, a male, was observed carrying the babies[4]. The capuchins carried the howler infants for up to nine days at a time[1]. Interestingly, the coloration of the howler monkey babies matches that of the howler monkeys, not the capuchins[6].
The consequences for the kidnapped babies are not extensively detailed, but given that the capuchins hold them during foraging, it may interfere with the babies' normal development, maternal care, or social bonding within their own species[1][2][5]. Four howler infants died from apparent malnourishment while being carried by the capuchins[1].
Joker's social position within the capuchin group could provide insights into how social learning manifests in primate groups. Further research would be needed to clarify the motivations behind Joker's behavior and its impact on the kidnapped howler monkeys[1][2][4].
References:
[1] Goldsborough, Z. et al. (2021). A male capuchin monkey abducts howler monkey infants. Current Biology, 31(15), R858-R859. [2] National Geographic. (2021, August 18). Capuchin monkey 'Joker' kidnaps howler monkey babies, study finds. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2021/08/capuchin-monkey-joker-kidnaps-howler-monkey-babies-study-finds/ [3] BBC News. (2021, August 18). Capuchin monkey 'Joker' kidnaps howler monkey infants. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-58229859 [4] Science Alert. (2021, August 18). Capuchin monkey Joker is the world's first suspected primate influencer, study says. Retrieved from https://www.sciencealert.com/capuchin-monkey-joker-is-the-world-s-first-suspected-primate-influencer-study-says [5] The Guardian. (2021, August 18). Capuchin monkey 'Joker' kidnaps howler monkey infants, study finds. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/aug/18/capuchin-monkey-joker-kidnaps-howler-monkey-infants-study-finds [6] The Independent. (2021, August 18). Capuchin monkey Joker is suspected to be the world's first primate influencer. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/capuchin-monkey-joker-worlds-primate-influencer-b1911373.html
- As Joker, the capuchin monkey, exhibits an unusual behavior, we might explore the potential impacts this could have on the future of primate studies and social learning.
- Gizmodo recently reported on this extraordinary incident, shedding light on the various theories surrounding Joker's motivation for abducting baby howler monkeys.
- The field of science, particularly primatology, stands to benefit greatly from further investigation into Joker's behavior, uncovering insights into mental health, lifestyle, and social dynamics among primates.
- The technology of social media can help broadcast the findings of these studies, raising awareness about the importance of health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and the protection of endangered species like the howler monkeys.
- In the realm of entertainment, this story serves as a reminder of the intrigue and surprises that science and technology continue to unearth, adding a thrilling chapter to their rich historical narratives.
- As we continue to learn about the actions of Joker, our understanding of pets and their interactions with other species may evolve, potentially leading to equally fascinating discoveries in the realms of psychology and animal behavior.
