Christini B. Caselli

Abstract: Introduction Possessing a suite of unusual and interesting features, Pitheciids are at the extremes of many of primatology’s ecological and sociological continua (see Norconk 2011). Pitheciids should provide acute tests of many primatological models; however, this is frequently thwarted by the lack of even the most basic quantitative information concerning ecology, behavior and social organization. Such gaps are due not only to the small number of studies, but also to difficulties in obtaining data. This chapter considers why, given that these primates possess such aesthetic and intellectual appeal and high conservation value, they have been so little studied. The peculiarities of pitheciids, combined with their native habitats’ inherent challenges, have often undermined potentially successful fieldwork. Some researchers who began working with species of Callicebus or Chiropotes, for example, simply gave up because of problems habituating the animals or because the study was so difficult that the quality and quantity of gained data would not be worth the effort. Several researchers who persisted were either unable to obtain the expected volume of data or were incapable of answering many of their initial research questions, sometimes both. Using field experiences from a variety of research projects across a range of habitat types and pitheciid taxa, this chapter reports on the problems that arose during these studies and presents suggestions to minimize similar difficulties in the future.

TL;DR: The playback survey protocol described has proved to be a simple and useful tool for surveying vocal primate and generated reliable data, and it is suggested that it is a good alternative method to estimate density of species, particularly for those that are responsive to playbacks and show site fidelity.

TL;DR: Support is found for the hypothesis that vocalizations used for between‐group communication are cooperative displays used by the mated pair and other group members to regulate access to important food resources, such as fruits, and for the mate defense hypothesis.

TL;DR: It is suggested that the feeding ecology and activity pattern of C. nigrifrons reflect adaptations related to annual fluctuations in food availability and temperature, respectively.

TL;DR: The results are consistent with the idea that black‐fronted titi monkeys use their loud calls in intergroup communication as a mechanism of joint territorial defense.