Housing with Females Increases Testosterone and Cortisol Levels in Captive Groups of Black-Handed Spider Monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2012 |
Authors: |
A. L. Cerda-Molina, L. Hernández-López, G. Díaz-Díaz, F. Mejía-Varas, R. Chavira, R. Mondragón-Ceballos |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Keywords: |
cortisol, housing conditions, spider monkeys, testosterone |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
The black-handed spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) is a seasonal reproducer that requires a seclusiveness to copulate and has a fusion–fission social system. These features impose important restrictions to achieve reproduction of captive animals. We investigated if group composition in captive spider monkeys has any endocrine effects. We compared testosterone and cortisol concentrations during the mating season in all-male and multifemale–multimale groups to study if the former condition impairs reproductive potential and increases stress. Concentrations of testosterone and cortisol of males living with females were higher than those of all-male groups. In the multifemale–multimale condition, dominant males had the highest levels of testosterone, while the youngest males showed the highest concentrations of cortisol. Results show that males adjust well to isosexual grouping, this being an appropriate condition to keep animals when controlled reproduction is sought. Zoo Biol 31:490;–497, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.