A Case Study of Orangutan and Siamang Behavior Within a Mixed-Species Zoo Exhibit.

Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 13:4, 330-346, DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2010.507125.

Zusammenfassung:

A Mixed-Species zoo exhibit is an exhibit that contains two or more distinct species, and is becoming increasingly common across the globe, as exposure to other species allows for animals in captivity to behave in ways similar to their natural environments. Zoo exhibits that have mixed species have built in enrichment activities for the animals as they interact with one another. In this way these living environments can increase animal welfare by reducing boredom, increasing behavioral diversity These researchers at an immersion exhibit at Adelaide Zoo in South Australia examined the behavior of orangutans and siamangs within a mixed-species exhibit by collecting empirical data on the presence of affiliative interactions, aggression, inter-species mingling, natural behaviors, and the absence of stereotypic behaviors. The exhibit included two orangutans (a male and a female), and two simang, which also included one male and one female. The simangs were younger (born since the 2000s), and the organgutans were older.  In the wild, while the two species might forage together, they often chase and even attack the each other, with the siamangs typically initiating the attacks. At the beginning of the introductory phase, the animals were introduced using a series of gradual introductions, beginning with visual contact only. At the time of the research, the orangutans and siamangs had been on display together for six months.  During the research, most interactions between Karta the orangutan and the siamang pair were playful, which included, pulling hair and running away, wrestling, and poking each other, as well as grooming, embracing and sharing food. The interactions were typically initiated by the siamangs. Further, supplanting of one species by the other was infrequent and typically occurred when one group tried to initiate play and the other did not wish to comply. Further, the two groups did use the exhibit equally with little to no segregation. The authors conclude that the presence of affiliative interactions beyond mere mutual tolerance supports the argument that mixed-species exhibits can be beneficial. It is possible that the greater success of the integration at this exhibit is due to the brief separation overnight. However, four months after the conclusion of the study, one of the siamangs did sustain a fracture of the radius and ulna of his left arm, and bite marks on the back of Karta the orangutan’s head suggest she was responsible, although the witness (a zoo visitor) was unable to describe the cause of context. So, while in general the two species were able to interact peacefully, there is an inherent danger in placing two species with disproportionate strengths together. To alleviate some of this danger, a surveillance system should be put in place, as well as ensure adequate safety routes. However, the fact that Irian the siamang was unable to reach the safety route before sustaining the injury should be considered.

Main Points and Potential Applications

  • Mixed-Species zoo exhibits can be beneficial in ensuring the well-being of each species, although the integration can be challenging and unsuccessful if not taken gradually and carefully.
  • It is necessary to monitor the two species and to ensure adequate safe routes are available in case of a disagreement.

pearsson-biblio

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Mittwoch, 09 Januar 2019 09:22

GROVES, C. (2001)

Primate Taxonomy.

350 Seiten, illustriert.
Smithsonian, 2001. ISBN 156098872X, 9781560988724

Inhalt:

In this book, Colin Groves proposes a complete taxonomy of living primates, reviewing the history and practice of their classification and providing an up-to-date synthesis of recent molecular and phylogenetic research. He contends that the taxonomic designation of individual species is the starting point for conservation, and that the taxonomy of living species is critical to understanding evolutionary relationships. At the heart of the book are species-by-species accounts in which Groves reviews the recent history of each group and offers many new taxonomic arrangements. He evaluates several distinctive former subspecies to full species status and reestablishes the status of a number of previously overlooked taxa. Discussing the major taxonomic issues of each group, he describes the reasoning behind his conclusions and objectively offers explanations of opposing views. He also briefly outlines a possible taxonomy of fossil primates based on the taxonomy of living primates.

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Freitag, 04 Januar 2019 15:50

KUMMER, H. (1968)

Social organization of hamadryas baboons: A field study.

187 Seiten, 68 Abbildungen, 17 Tabellen.
Bibliothec Primatologica No. 6.
S. Karger Verlag, Basel, New York.

Inhalt:

Die Arbeit ist das Ergebnis einer Feldstudie, die von Fred KURT† und Hans KUMMER† 1960/61 in Äthiopien durchgeführt wurde. Sie klärt die soziale Organisation des Mantelpavians: Mantelpaviane sind in einem komplexen, mehrschichtigen Sozialsystem organisiert. Die kleinsten sozialen Einheiten sind Harems, die bis zu 15 Tiere umfassen können und aus einem Alpha-Mann, mehreren von ihm monopolisierten Weibchen, deren Jungtieren und einigen jungen Männchen bestehen. Zwei bis drei solcher Ein-Mann-Gruppen bilden zusammen einen Clan, dessen Mitglieder zusammen auf Futtersuche gehen und sozial interagieren. Mehrere Clans schließen sich zu einer bis zu 100 Individuen bestehenden Bande zusammen, die zusammen in einem gemeinsamen Streifgebiet von 10-40 km2 umherziehen. An Schlafplätzen können sich mehre Banden zu einer großen Herde treffen und die Nacht gemeinsam verbringen. Ferner gibt es ein Kapitel zur Fortpflanzung und ein Ethogramm.

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EAZA Mangabey Best Practice Guidelines - Cercocebus spp., Lophocebus spp. and Rungwecebus spp.

112 Seiten. Abbildungen. Parc Zoològic de Barcelona n & GaiaZOO, Kerkrade.

Executive Summary:


The current document details knowledge regarding the biology, management and keeping of the polyphyletic group of mangabeys (Cercocebus spp., Lophocebus spp. and Rungwecebus spp.) from the field and within zoos. As will become clear, per species there is information lacking regarding many aspects of their biology and ecology. Hence, the document is set up in such a way that, where appropriate, information can be interpreted from other mangabey species.

Section 1: Biology and Field data

This section covers an extensive overview of current knowledge regarding the taxonomic classification, morphology, natural distribution, conservation status, nutrition, behaviour and more of all the relevant species and subspecies.

Section 2: Management in Zoos and Aquariums

This  section  details  Best  Practice  of management and keeping of mangabey species in zoos. Including topics on enclosure design, specifically focussed on appropriate barriers and enclosure  complexity. Furthermore it includes  nformation on optimal feeding practices, use of enrichment, social management and veterinary practices. Throughout are examples of current practice presented. Here it should be emphasized that these guidelines should be seen as a living document as knowledge will only increase through xperience and research.

abello-biblio

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Sonntag, 30 Dezember 2018 10:49

HARTLEY, M. & CHAPMAN, M. (eds. 2018)

EAZA Best Practice Guidelines De Brazza Monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus)

1. Auflage. 37 Seiten, Abbildungen.
EAZA Executive Office, Amsterdam.

Summary:

These guidelines are composed of two sections. The first provides and overview of biology, ecology and behaviour in the wild summarising published information referenced at the end of the document. The second section provides information on management in captivity. This section was written using published information and from the findings of a questionnaire survey and the input of the species committee.

In addition to the standard enclosure and husbandry information particular focus has been made on managing social groups and introductions which can be challenging. One of the objectives of the EEP is to manage multiple female groups and retain youngsters until they have experience of reproductive and maternal behaviours. This has been supported by the inclusion of detailed case studies. Although the husbandry and management section is written for the De Brazza much of the information is relevant for other guenon species. An important role for the De Brazza Monkey EEP is for zoos to gain experience of managing guenons before obtaining more endangered guenon species.

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Donnerstag, 20 Dezember 2018 11:36

DE BOER, L.E.M. & DE BRUIJN, M. (1990)

Chromosomal distinction between the red‐faced and black‐faced black spider monkeys (Ateles paniscus paniscus and A. p. chamek).

Zoo Biology 9 (4): 307-316. https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.1430090406


Abstract:

The two subspecies of the black spider monkey, Ateles paniscus paniscus and A. p. chamek, can be distinguished by their chromosome number, 2n = 32 in the former and 2n = 34 in the latter. This difference most probably is the result of a tandem fusion between chromosomes 4 and 13 of the original Ateles karyotype (2n = 34) to form a unique metacentric chromosome in A. p. paniscus. Further differences between the subspecies concern the presence of additional interstial or terminal C‐bands in chromosomes 3, 5, and 12 of A. p. paniscus. A third difference is that chromosome 12 is metacentric in A. p. paniscus but is submetacentric in A. p. chamek. A. p. chamek shows dimorphisms caused by pericentric inversions in pairs 1, 5, 6, and 7 as well as in the Y chromosome. Since the dimorphisms in pairs 5 and 7 are only found in homozygous condition, they may indicate the existence of geographic variation within this subspecies. Differences in external characteristics possibly reflect these chromosomal difference. The necessity to lend A. p. paniscus full specific status should be considered, since karyologically this is the most distinct one of all forms of Ateles. In captive breeding A. p. paniscus should evidently be treated as a separate population, as hybridization with A. p. chamek may result in offspring with reduced fertility. The intra‐subspecific karyological variation in A. p. chamek and its possible consequences for taxonomy and captive breeding require further investigation.

de boer-biblio

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Mittwoch, 19 Dezember 2018 17:03

TORSTENSSON, T. (2009)

Enrichment for Colombian black spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps rufiventris) in a zoo.

Berikning för Colombiansk svart spindelapa (Ateles fusciceps rufiventris) i en djurpark.

Studentarbete. Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet, Skara. 28 Seiten.

Abstract:

The Colombian black spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps rufiventris) is critically endangered. The wild population is still decreasing and today there are no records of the actualpopulation size. Enrichment makes the animals keep their natural behaviours, which makes an eventual reintroduction to nature easier. The purpose of this study was to evaluate three different food enrichments for Colombian black spider monkeys. The purpose was also to try to come up with new ideas for enrichment suitable for the lifestyle and behaviour of spider monkeys. The attractiveness of branch balls, food puzzles for dogs and ice blocks, all filled with treats, was compared in order to determine the best enrichment for the spider monkeys. The food puzzles were used for the longest period of time and during a bigger proportion of time than the ice blocks, followed by the branch balls. But the branch balls made the frequencies of behaviours come the closest to those of wild spider monkeys. The literature study indicates that food enrichment is the most appreciated form of enrichment by spider monkeys. When empty, food enrichments lose their attractiveness. Though, in the end, a mix of different kinds of enrichment is what should be strived for, in order to fulfil all the needs of the spider monkeys, which increases their welfare and chances to later reproduce and survive in the wild.

 

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Montag, 17 Dezember 2018 14:54

MARSH, L. K. (2014)

A Taxonomic Revision of the Saki Monkeys, Pithecia Desmarest, 1804

Neotropical Primates 21(1):1-165. https://doi.org/10.1896/044.021.0101

Abstract:

For more than 200 years, the taxonomy of Pithecia has been floating on the misunderstanding of a few species, in particular P. pithecia and P. monachus. In this revision, historical names and descriptions are addressed and original type material is examined. For every museum specimen, all location, collection, and museum data were recorded, and photographs and measurements of each skin, skull, mount, or fluid specimen were taken. The revision is based on work conducted in 36 museums in 28 cities from 17 countries in North America, South America, Europe, and Japan, resulting in the examination of 876 skins (including mounts and fluids), 690 skulls, and hundreds of photographs taken by the author and by colleagues in the field of living captive and wild sakis of all species, and through internet searches. Per this revision, there are 16 species of Pithecia: five currently recognized, three reinstated, three elevated from subspecies level, and five newly described.

marsh-biblio

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Montag, 17 Dezember 2018 10:23

DIXSON, A. F. & FLEMING, D. (1981)

Parental behaviour and infant development in Owl monkeys (Aotus trivirgatus griseimembra).

Journal of Zoology 194 (1): 25-39. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1981.tb04576.x


Abstract:

Behavioural interactions between parents and their developing offspring were studied in 13 captive groups of Owl monkeys. The male parent plays an important role in carrying the offspring and in ensuring the development of its independence. Older siblings also carry infants, but this behaviour is infrequent and age or sex differences are not measurable. Patterns of parental behaviour in Owl monkeys are compared to those observed in other monogamous primates and their adaptive significance is discussed. Some experimental studies of clinging positions in infant Owl monkeys are also described. The newborn possesses some innate ability to cling in a distinctive ventro‐lateral position upon the mother's body.

dixson-biblio

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Gestation and Inter-Birth Intervals in the Owl Monkey (Aotus trivirgatus griseimembra).


Folia Primatol. 31:165–175. https://doi.org/10.1159/000155881


Abstract:

A single, timed mating indicated a gestation period of 133 days for Aotus trivirgatus griseimembra. This figure is confirmed by approximate correspondence with minimum inter-birth intervals, results from radioimmunoassay of urinary oestrogens during pregnancy, and general agreement with a logarithmic plot of gestation period against body weight for simian primates. Birth data indicate that owl monkey females in present colonies in captivity breed throughout the year and will, on average, produce 3 infants every 2 years. There is no evidence of a characteristic post-partum oestrus.

 

hunter-biblio

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© Peter Dollinger, Zoo Office Bern hyperworx