behavior

This study used a continuous focal
sampling method with a sampling time of 10 minutes per individual to measure
behavior (Martin & Bateson 2012). This means one individual at the time is
observed while noting down the exact duration of one type of behavior for 10
minutes straight. When the sampling time is over the next individual was
observed. One observation of the whole group takes 50 minutes. Observations of
the entire group were done three times per day. The first two observations were
done from 10:00-12:00 and the last one after the feeding time (ca.
12:00-14:00). The observation times were chosen because of the need to be
present during the feeding time, and periods with the highest behavioral
complexity as well as the time when the spider monkeys most likely to defecate.
Because of the variable feeding time the time of the observations are also
slightly variable. The observations took place around five days per week. Five
types of behaviors were observed: possible stereotypic, obviously stereotypic, group
size and social behavior (appendix 4). Possible stereotypic behavior for
example scratching can be stereotypic but it can also be normal behavior.
Obvious stereotypic behavior is always stereotypic for example gnashing the
teeth. The preference of the location of the spider monkeys determined the
location of the observer.