Is mixed-species living cognitively enriching? Enclosure use and welfare in two captive groups of tufted capuchins (Sapajus apella) and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus)
Non-human primates have complex relationships with conspecifics and also other animals with whom they share their habitat in the wild. Some primates, such as capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella) and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus), naturally associate, with the potential to act as both proximate and ultimate influences on each other’s behavior. There are a number of […]
Role of cytogenetics for breeding management of squirrel monkey colonies
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430090505.abs Breeding colonies of squirrel monkeys in zoos are often a mix of Saimiri taxa, which leads to the possibility of hybridization, loss of classification features, and possible reduction of fertility among hybrids. Two zoos, Potawatomi and Brookfield, were used to assess chromosomal composition of colonies. Chromosomes were analyzed from lymphocyte cultures and animals […]
The impact of moving to a novel environment on social networks, activity and wellbeing in two new world primates
Abstract Among the stressors that can affect animal welfare in zoos, the immediate effect of relocation to a novel environment is one that has received little attention in the literature. Here, we compare the social network, daily activity and the expression of stress-related behavior in capuchins (Cebus apella) and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) before and […]
Sex-Specific Differences in Olfactory Sensitivity for Putative Human Pheromones in Nonhuman Primates
In humans, the volatile C19-steroids androsta-4,16-dien-3-one (AND) and estra-1,3,5(10),16-tetraen-3-ol (EST) have been shown to modulate autonomic nervous system responses, and to cause hypothalamic activation in a gender-specific manner. Using two conditioning paradigms, the authors here show that pigtail macaques and squirrel monkeys of both sexes were able to detect AND and EST at concentrations in […]
Positive Reinforcement Training in Squirrel Monkeys Using Clicker Training
Nonhuman primates in research environments experience regular stressors that have the potential to alter physiology and brain function, which in turn can confound some types of research studies. Operant conditioning techniques such as positive reinforcement training (PRT), which teaches animals to voluntarily perform desired behaviors, can be applied to improve behavior and reactivity. PRT has […]
Exploration and social play in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri)
Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri) have been studied in a variety of laboratory and natural environments. The frequency and form of exploration and social play vary considerably among different environments. For example, in some environments, young monkeys have been observed to play for 3 hr per day; but in one natural environment, not a single bout of […]
Living together: behavior and welfare in single and mixed species groups of capuchin (Cebus apella) and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus)
There are potential advantages of housing primates in mixed species exhibits for both the visiting public and the primates themselves. If the primates naturally associate in the wild, it may be more educational and enjoyable for the public to view. Increases in social complexity and stimulation may be enriching for the primates. However, mixed species […]