The insectivorous-frugivorous diet of the golden-handed tamarin (Saguinus midas midas) in French Guiana

Abstract

The diet of Saguinus midas is characterised by analysis of stomach contents samples on an annual and seasonal basis. The diet comprises significant proportions of both fruit and insects all year round, although fruit use shows important seasonal variations. The tamarins reduce their use of fruit resources during the peak fruiting season and instead exploit increased opportunities for insectivory. This is suggested to be a response to differences in gross fruit availability as a function of both fruiting patterns and the presence of competitors for the available fruit resources.