Researchers in Mexico have documented wild spider monkeys rubbing themselves with fragrant, chewed up leaves. Though the exact purpose of this behavior is yet to be proven, it appears as if the scents “may play a role int he context of social communication, possibly for signaling of social status or to increase sexual attractiveness,” according to an article in the online journal, Primates.
Laura Hernandez-Salazar of Veracruz University in Mexico and colleagues witnessed “20 episodes of self-anointing, that is, the application of scent-bearing material onto the body,” in a 250 hour span.
digg_url=’http://zooillogix.blogspot.com/2007/04/spider-monkeys-use-cologne.html’;