Secondary metabolites in Pentaclethra macroloba: a dominant canopy species fed on by mantled howling monkeys (Alouatta palliata) in northeastern Costa Rica
Feeding by howling monkeys on young leaves of Pentaclethra macroloba in a 15-ha degraded forest fragment at the La Suerte Biological Field Station in Costa Rica, is reported as having been common during the months of December and January (1994-95 and 1997-98), in periods when fruits were extremely scarce in the forest; there was no feeding on P. macroloba leaves during studies in the summer wet season months. In an earlier report from a study at La Selva consistent feeding by monkeys on leaves of P.macroloba was not found, suggesting that this may be an alternative food resource in degraded habitats. Young leaves of P. macroloba were collected in January 1995, and extracts analysed for total phenolics, tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, alkaloids and saponins. Total phenolics were 6.03 percent dry weight, and tannins made up 5.76 percent of this; this content of phenolics is consistent with the level reported for other forests supporting primates. Cyanogenic glycosides, alkaloids and saponins were not present in young leaves of P. macroloba. The results are discussed in relation to the feeding behaviour of howling monkeys.
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| Format: | biblioteca |
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1998
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| Subjects: | CUBIERTA DE COPAS, METABOLITOS SECUNDARIOS, HABITOS ALIMENTARIOS, COMPOSICION BOTANICA, GLICOSIDOS CIANOGENICOS, ALCALOIDES, SAPONINAS, COMPUESTOS FENOLICOS, TANINOS, COSTA RICA, |
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