Note on the food habits of Ptilocercus lowii Gray (Pentail tree-shrew) and Echinosorex gymnurus (Raffles) (Moonrat) in Malaya with remarks on “ecological labelling” by parasite patterns

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1967
Authors:Grimm, RJ, Liat, LBoo
Journal:Journal of Zoology
Volume:152
Pagination:361-373
Date Published:1967
ISBN Number:1469-7998
Keywords:Macaca mulatta
Abstract:

A catalogue of sounds from a laboratory population of Pigtailed macaques has been developed from spectograms. Sounds are divided into four general classes: clear, harsh and high-pitched calls, and miscellaneous sounds. It appears that all parameters of the vocal signal are independently manipulatable. A plot of selected spectral characteristics demonstrated the uniqueness of individual signals. In some instances, different sounds are developed by rearrangement of specific fragments, or by acoustical activities performed on similar sounds. This latter phenomenon, which will be termed mosaicism, parallels aspects of language design. Lastly, comparison of spectrograms for Pigtailed macaques with those published for Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) reveals similarities in structure.Examination of the endoparasites and stomach contents of Moonrats and Pentail treeshrews helps to establish certain facts as to the behaviour and food preference in their natural environment. Earthworms and arthropods are the main diet of Moonrats in the wild, with fish, crabs and land molluscs as supplementary food. In captivity, this animal fed primarily on fresh fish. The Pentail tree-shrews, on the other hand are more insectivorous although meat is occasionally eaten. This animal apparently is not strictly a canopydweller as was previously believed. The stomach contents, and the fact that some specimens were trapped on the forest floor indicates that they may often descend to ground level.

URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1967.tb01651.x
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