| Abstract: | The use of floor-covering has been shown to substantially alter the behavior of captive terrestrial primates. Experiments with two large family groups of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and two of cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) have shown that the type of floor-covering also beneficially alters the behavior of arboreal monkeys, increasing use of the floor and decreasing inactivity. These effects increased over 2.5 mo, and appeared to be due to the reduced aversiveness of the floor. Hanging screens also produced beneficial effects. |
