Aggressive Interaction Between Howler Monkeys and Turkey Vultures: The Need to Thermoregulate Behaviorally

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Abstract
On Barro Colorado Island, Panama, conflict occasionally occurs between turkey vultures and howler monkeys, apparently for choice early-morning sunning sites. Vultures have previously been documented to require early-morning solar radiation to facilitate feather-drying and/or elevation of body temperatures. No such mechanisms have been documented as necessary for howler monkeys. A hypothesis is presented suggesting that behavioral thermoregulation in howlers is a required part of the general strategy of utilizing an energy-poor diet. Heat obtained from solar radiation may reduce demands on metabolic energy for maintaining proper body temperatures and increase the efficiency of digestive fermentation.

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