The basal area explains the abundance of stone tool sites reused by blonde capuchin monkeys

Behavioural adaptability in primates is widely known. However, the role of local landscape metrics on the use of stone tool sites remains poorly understood. Therefore, we tested whether the distance from water sources, the availability of edible nuts and stones on the ground, and the density and basal area of the trees can influence the abundance of stone tool sites reused by blonde capuchin monkeys. A total of 238 trees were measured in the area. The area exhibited a density of 793.33 individuals/ha and a base area of 20.54 m²/ha. A total of 53 edible nuts (4 ± 7) and 3078 stones (307 ± 172) were recorded as available on the ground during the study period. The total number of reused sites was 72 (2.05 ± 1.74). Distances to water sources were measured on 35 occasions (181.6 ± 161.1 m). GLM revealed a positive correlation between the basal area of the trees and the abundance of stone tool sites reused by blonde capuchin monkeys within the study area. In this sense, understanding of the manner in which habitat has shaped the behavioural pattern of a species is essential for the implementation of functional measures aiming at the conservation of the species.