MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'American Journal of Primatology' source. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:31:32 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669718&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21995 In this study, we examine the patterns of fat mass gain from birth to 12 months in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Lean and fat mass was measured by quantitative magnetic resonance at 1, 2, 6, and 12 months for 31 marmosets, 15 considered Normal and 16 considered Fat (>14% body fat) at 12 months. Animals were fed either the regular colony diet mix or a high‐fat variation. Subjects classified as Fat at 12 months already had greater lean mass (198.4 ± 6.2 g vs. 174.0 ± 6.8 g, P = 0.013) and fat mass (45.5 ± 5.0 g vs. 24.9 ± 3.4 g, P = .002) by 6 months. Body mass did not differ between groups prior to 6 months, however, by 1 month, Fat infants had greater percent body fat. Percent body fat decreased between 1 and 12 months in Normal subjects; in Fat subjects, it increased. Th... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669718 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:14:30 +0100 5669718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669717&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21994 Only one of the 15 species of monogamous hylobatids, the siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus), demonstrates direct paternal care in the form of infant‐carrying, providing a unique model for examining hormonal correlates of paternal care differences between siamangs and gibbons. We used behavioral data and fecal hormone analysis to investigate (1) differences in monthly percent father–infant proximity in relation to monthly fecal androgen metabolite concentrations from infant birth to the late postpartum period between siamangs and gibbons, (2) the pattern of change in fecal androgen and fecal estrogen metabolite concentrations during the 8‐week peripartum period between siamangs and gibbons, and (3) the change in mean fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations at 1‐month postpart... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669717 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:14:29 +0100 5669717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669716&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21993 Clinical blood biochemistry and hematology are valuable tools to evaluate health and welfare in many animal species. In order to document the general biology of one of the most poorly known nonhuman primate species, and contribute to its conservation, the clinical blood biochemistry and hematology of the sun‐tailed monkey (Cercopithecus solatusHarrisson) was investigated in its range of endemicity in Gabon. Data derived from 26 years of clinical monitoring of the only semicaptive colony of this species in the world, housed at CIRMF (Franceville, Gabon), were analyzed in order to establish reference values of age–sex classes. Consistent with previous reports in other primate species, age and sex significantly affected a number of biochemical and hematological parameters in C. solatus. H... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669716 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:14:28 +0100 5669716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669715&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21991 The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that social tolerance drives the evolution of facial expression in macaques. Macaque species exhibit a range of social styles that reflect a continuum of social tolerance. Social interactions in more tolerant taxa tend to be less constrained by rank and kinship than in less‐tolerant macaques. I predicted that macaques that are more tolerant would exhibit a wider range of facial displays than less‐tolerant species because interactions that are open to negotiation are characterized by greater uncertainty than interactions that are constrained by rank or kinship. To test this hypothesis, I conducted a phylogenetically informed regression analysis (N = 11) using previously published data on repertoire size and two quantitative measures of... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669715 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:14:26 +0100 5669715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669714&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21988 Males and females have different sexual interests and subsequently may show conflicting sexual strategies. While dominant males try to monopolize females, promiscuity benefits females and subordinate males. One way to escape monopolization by dominant males is to copulate in their absence. We tested this inhibitory effect of males on the sexual behavior of their group members in captive group‐living Rhesus macaques. Copulations between females and nonalpha males almost exclusively took place when the alpha male was out of sight. Furthermore, the inhibiting effect was not unique for the alpha male. An upcoming nonalpha male also inhibited copulations of its group members, and three other nonalpha males inhibited female copulation solicitations. Females adjusted their behavior to the prese... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669714 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:14:25 +0100 5669714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669713&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21989 The Barbary macaque, Macaca sylvanus is a very adaptable primate species occupying a wide range of habitats in Morocco and Algeria. Several groups of this endangered macaque can be found in tourist sites, where they are affected by the presence of visitors providing food to them. We compare the activity budgets and the diet of semiprovisioned and wild‐feeding groups of Barbary macaques in the central High Atlas Mountains of Morocco from February to August 2008. We used instantaneous scan sampling at 15‐min intervals. The behaviors included in the activity budget were feeding, moving, foraging, resting, and aggressive display. Food items were grouped into seven categories. We found no differences between the two groups in the daily percentages of records attributed to feeding. The semip... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669713 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:14:24 +0100 5669713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669712&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21987 Capuchin monkeys (Cebus sp.) are notable among New World monkeys for their widespread use of tools. Like chimpanzees, they use both hammer tools and insertion tools in the wild to acquire food that would be unobtainable otherwise. Recent evidence indicates that capuchins transport stones to anvil sites and use the most functionally efficient stones to crack nuts. We further investigated capuchins’ assessment of functionality by testing their ability to select a tool that was appropriate for two different tool‐use tasks: A stone for a hammer task and a stick for an insertion task. To select the appropriate tools, the monkeys investigated a baited tool‐use apparatus (insertion or hammer), traveled to a location in their enclosure where they could no longer see the apparatus, made a sel... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669712 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:14:23 +0100 5669712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669711&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21983 Miller's Grizzled Langur (Presbytis hosei canicrus) is one of the least known and rarest primates in Borneo. With a limited geographic range along the central coast of East Kalimantan and the highly degraded Kutai National Park, its former stronghold, this subspecies is now extremely rare and has been listed as one of the world's 25 most endangered primates. From June 6 to August 2, 2011, we carried out both direct observation and camera trap surveys at two mineral springs (sepans) in the Wehea Forest, East Kutai district, East Kalimantan. Presbytis hosei canicrus was observed at the large sepan on 3 of 6 observation days and at the small sepan on 2 of 3 observation days with up to 11 individuals observed in a single day at a single site. Camera traps recorded a per day capture rate of 0.7... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669711 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:14:22 +0100 5669711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669710&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21996 The capacity for cone‐mediated color vision varies among nocturnal primates. Some species are colorblind, having lost the functionality of their short‐wavelength‐sensitive‐1 (SWS1) opsin pigment gene. In other species, such as the aye‐aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis), the SWS1 gene remains intact. Recent studies focused on aye‐ayes indicate that this gene has been maintained by natural selection and that the pigment has a peak sensitivity (λmax) of 406 nm, which is ∼20 nm closer to the ultraviolet region of the spectrum than in most primates. The functional significance behind the retention and unusual λmax of this opsin pigment is unknown, and it is perplexing given that all mammals are presumed to be colorblind in the dark. Here we comment on this puzzle and discuss rec... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669710 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:14:20 +0100 5669710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669699&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21990 Body composition is known to vary dramatically among mammals, even in closely related species, yet this issue has never been systematically investigated. Here, we examine differences in muscle mass scaling among mammals, and explore how primate body composition compares to that of nonprimate mammals. We use a literature‐based sample of eutherian and metatherian mammals, and combine this with new dissection‐based data on muscularity in a variety of strepsirrhine primates and the haplorhine, Tarsius syrichta. Our results indicate an isometric scaling relationship between total muscle mass and total body mass across mammals. However, we documented substantial variation in muscularity in mammals (21–61% of total body mass), which can be seen both within and between taxonomic groups. We a... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669699 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:13:55 +0100 5669699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669702&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.22003 To better understand the roles that hormones and experience play in infant survival and maternal behavior in a biparental primate species, we analyzed urinary estrone (E1C) and pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) from 24 socially housed titi monkey (Callicebus cupreus) females over 54 pregnancies (N = 1,430 samples). Pregnancies were categorized according to whether the infant survived (N = 35) or not (N = 19), and by maternal parity (primiparous: N = 9; multiparous: N = 45). Mothers of infants that survived had a significantly greater drop in PdG from the third trimester to the first week postpartum than mothers of infants that did not survive. Multiparous mothers had a greater increase in PdG from the first to the third trimester as well as greater increases in the E1C:PdG ratio from the... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669702 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5669702 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669701&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.22004 We examined female mate preferences across defined receptive periods (N = 59) in a group of wild Phayre's leaf monkeys (Trachypithecus phayrei crepusculus) at Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary (February–September 2006; 2,603 contact hours). The group contained seven cycling adult females and three reproductively active males (one adult and two adolescents). We predicted that females would prefer the adult male during periovulatory (POP) receptive periods, but the adolescent males during nonperiovulatory (NPOP) and postconceptive (PC) periods. We collected focal and ad libitum data on sexual and agonistic behaviors to determine female preferences and male awareness of female fertility. We also determined the degree of mating overlap to assess if males were capable of monopolizing females. Our ... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669701 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5669701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669700&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.22001 Video displays for behavioral research lend themselves particularly well to studies with chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), as their vision is comparable to humans’, yet there has been no formal test of the efficacy of video displays as a form of social information for chimpanzees. To address this, we compared the learning success of chimpanzees shown video footage of a conspecific compared to chimpanzees shown a live conspecific performing the same novel task. Footage of an unfamiliar chimpanzee operating a bidirectional apparatus was presented to 24 chimpanzees (12 males, 12 females), and their responses were compared to those of a further 12 chimpanzees given the same task but with no form of information. Secondly, we also compared the responses of the chimpanzees in the video display con... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669700 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5669700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669709&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.22008 Expectations of increases in human population growth and accelerated habitat loss, along with the realization that efforts to provide protection for ecosystems that sustain primates have met with limited success, make it critical that conservation plans are grounded firmly in scientific observation. Studies of the diet breadth and feeding behavior of endangered species, therefore, are critical for understanding ecological adaptations and developing a conservation strategy. The diet and feeding ecology of gray snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus brelichi) were studied in the Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou, China. The monkeys were found to consume 107 different species of trees, shrubs, and ground plants from 58 genera and 28 families. Food items included young leaves, mature l... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669709 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5669709 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669708&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21999 Until recently, the Bale monkey (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis), an arboreal primate endemic to the southern Ethiopian highlands, remained virtually unstudied, and its distribution pattern inadequately documented. To broaden our knowledge of the species’ distribution and abundance, we carried out interviews with local people and total count surveys for Bale monkeys across 67 fragmented forest sites in human‐dominated landscapes in the Oromia and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Regions, Ethiopia. From January 2010 to May 2011, we discovered 26 new Bale monkey populations inhabiting forest fragments at elevations ranging from 2,355 to 3,204 m asl. Across these populations, we recorded 37 groups ranging in size from 9 to 29 individuals (Mean = 19.5, SD = 4.5), for a total of 722... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669708 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5669708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669707&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.22005 (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669707 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5669707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669706&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21998 The untufted, or gracile, capuchin monkeys are currently classified in four species, Cebus albifrons, C. capucinus, C. olivaceus, and C. kaapori, with all but C. kaapori having numerous described subspecies. The taxonomy is controversial and their geographic distributions are poorly known. Cebus albifrons is unusual in its disjunct distribution, with a western and central Amazonian range, a separate range in the northern Andes in Colombia, and isolated populations in Trinidad and west of the Andes in Ecuador and northern Peru. Here we examine previous morphological and molecular hypotheses of the taxonomy and phylogeny of Cebus. We construct a time‐calibrated phylogeny based upon mitochondrial DNA sequences from 50 Cebus samples from across their range. Our data indicate that untufted ca... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669706 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5669706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669705&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.22000 Ultrasound assessments of fetal growth have been used in other species of primates to estimate fetal age, but there are no published morphometrics for the St. Kitts green monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus), a species that has been important for studies of transplantation of fetal tissue into the brain as potential treatment for degenerative disease. Previous studies with other primate species have used relatively small numbers of pregnancies, measured repeatedly, to derive regressions for predicting fetal age from ultrasound studies. The present study derives data from 967 pregnancies, collected over a 9‐year period, for predicting fetal age from ultrasound measurements of crown rump length, biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length in the St. Kitts gre... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669705 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5669705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669704&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21997 Very little information is known of the recently described Microcebus tavaratra and Lepilemur milanoii in the Daraina region, a restricted area in far northern Madagascar. Since their forest habitat is highly fragmented and expected to undergo significant changes in the future, rapid surveys are essential to determine conservation priorities. Using both distance sampling and capture–recapture methods, we estimated population densities in two forest fragments. Our results are the first known density and population size estimates for both nocturnal species. In parallel, we compare density results from four different approaches, which are widely used to estimate lemur densities and population sizes throughout Madagascar. Four approaches (King, Kelker, Muller and Buckland) are based on trans... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669704 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5669704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5669703&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.22002 This study adds to the knowledge concerning insect prey foraging in Callicebus, which can have an important role in defining ecological strategies in the selection of secondary protein food resources within a given ecosystem. (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5669703 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5669703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5600309&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21019 Reproductive and survival records (n = 2,913) from 313 Chinese‐origin and 365 Indian‐derived rhesus macaques at the Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) spanning three generations were studied. Least‐squares analysis of variance procedures were used to compare reproductive and infant survival traits while proportional hazards regression procedures were used to study female age at death, number of infants born per female, and time from last birth to death. Chinese females were older at first parturition than Indian females because they were older when placed with males, but the two subspecies had similar first postpartum birth interval (1st PPBI) and lifetime postpartum birth interval (LPPBI). Females that gave birth to stillborn infants had shorter first postpartum birth i... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5600309 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:56:42 +0100 5600309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5600308&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21017 This study indicates that the available time window for ET in rhesus monkeys is from the late follicular to early luteal phases. (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5600308 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:56:41 +0100 5600308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5600307&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21018 Primate facial expressions (FEs) likely play an important role in primate society: through facial signals, individuals can potentially send and receive information and may benefit from coordinating their behavior accordingly. Many primates use a relaxed open mouth (ROM) facial display or “play face” (PF) during play behavior, where the mouth is open but teeth are covered. In addition to this conventional PF, however, Western Lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) also use a full PF where the upper teeth are exposed. As the teeth are similarly exposed in the bared‐teeth expression (which is a signal of appeasement, submission and/or affiliation), the full PF may be a blend of the PF and bared‐teeth face, and have a different signal function to the PF alone. Focal animal sampling... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5600307 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:56:40 +0100 5600307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5451187&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21015 AbstractHighly frugivorous primates like chimpanzees (Pan trogolodytes) must contend with temporal variation in food abundance and quality by tracking fruit crops and relying more on alternative foods, some of them fallbacks, when fruit is scarce. We used behavioral data from 122 months between 1995 and 2009 plus 12 years of phenology records to investigate temporal dietary variation and use of fallback foods by chimpanzees at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda. Fruit, including figs, comprised most of the diet. Fruit and fig availability varied seasonally, but the exact timing of fruit production and the amount of fruit produced varied extensively from year to year, both overall and within and among species. Feeding time devoted to all major fruit and fig species was positively associate... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5451187 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:09:32 +0100 5451187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5433781&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21016 We present data on diet composition and diversity for chimpanzees at Ngogo, in Kibale National Park, Uganda, collected over a 15‐year period, with a focus on the plant components of the diet. We compare Ngogo data to those on chimpanzees at the nearby Kibale site of Kanyawara, on other chimpanzee populations, and on some other frugivorous–omnivorous primates. Results support the argument that chimpanzees are ripe fruit specialists: Ngogo chimpanzees ate a broad, mostly fruit‐based diet, feeding time devoted to fruit varied positively with fruit availability, and diet diversity varied inversely with fruit availability. Comparison of Ngogo and Kanyawara shows much similarity, but also pronounced within‐population dietary variation. Chimpanzees fed much more on leaves, and much less o... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5433781 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:46:03 +0100 5433781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5391698&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21012 AbstractAs natural forest cover declines, planted forests have come to occupy an increasing percentage of the earth's surface, yet we know little about their suitability as alternative habitat for wildlife. Although some primate species use planted forests, few studies have compared primate populations in natural and nearby planted forests. From March 2006 to July 2010, we conducted line transect surveys and assessed group sizes and compositions in natural and nearby 60–70 year old mixed indigenous planted forest to determine the densities of diurnal primate species (Colobus guereza, Cercopithecus mitis, C. ascanius) in these two forest types at Isecheno, Kakamega Forest, Kenya. Line transect data were analyzed using the Encounter Rate, Whitesides, and Distance sampling methods, which al... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5391698 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:41:51 +0100 5391698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5391699&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21013 AbstractDepressive disorders are prevalent, costly, and poorly understood. Male rodents in stress paradigms are most commonly used as animal models, despite the two‐fold increased prevalence of depression in women and sex differences in response to stress. Although these models have provided valuable insights, new models are needed to move the field forward. Social stress‐associated behavioral depression in adult female cynomolgus macaques closely resembles human depression in physiological, neurobiological, and behavioral characteristics, including reduced body mass, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis perturbations, autonomic dysfunction, increased cardiovascular disease risk, reduced hippocampal volume, altered serotonergic function, decreased activity levels, and increased mort... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5391699 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5391699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5368046&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21005 In conclusion, primates exposed to urban serovars before their release from captivity represent a potentially significant health risk to wild populations. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1–4, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5368046 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:46:12 +0100 5368046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5368050&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20994 AbstractChimpanzee responses to the death of a group member have rarely been observed in the wild and most instances involve infant deaths. One of the very few detailed accounts of a group's response to the death of an adult community member is from Gombe National Park, Tanzania, where Teleki [Folia Primatologica 20:81–94, 1973] observed the responses of 16 chimpanzees to an accidental death, none of whom touched the body. Now, almost 40 years later, we report on the behaviors of 16 (different) Gombe individuals to the recently dead body of an adult female community member. In stark contrast to Teleki's account, we observed individual chimpanzees' responses to range from curious observation and passive investigation (e.g. smelling and grooming) to the shaking, dragging, and frustrated be... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5368050 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5368050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5368049&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21004 AbstractResearchers of capuchin monkeys have noted stereotyped body postures, facial expressions, and vocalizations that accompany copulations in this genus. Notable variations in these sexual behaviors are observed across capuchin species. Although several hypotheses exist to explain variation in the duration and vigor of sexual behaviors across species, there is no proposed explanation for variation in the forms of these behaviors. I hypothesized that the forms of sexual behaviors function as recognition signals of conspecific mates. Such signals are adaptive when F1 hybrids exhibit reduced fitness compared with nonhybrid offspring. Recent evidence from nonprimate taxa supports the existence of species recognition signals during mating. Using newly observed sexual behaviors for Cebus alb... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5368049 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5368049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5368048&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21007 AbstractSex‐biased dispersal (SBD) is common in many vertebrates, including primates. However, dispersal patterns in New World primates may vary among closely related taxa or populations in different local environments. Here, we test for SBD in an endangered New World primate, the Central American Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri oerstedii citrinellus). Previous studies of behavioral ecology suggest predominantly female dispersal in S.o. oerstedii in the Southern Pacific region of Costa Rica. However, our genetic data do not support strongly female‐biased dispersal in S.o. citrinellus in the Central Pacific region. Our tests for SBD using microsatellite data including comparisons of isolation‐by‐distance, AIc, and FST values between males and females were not significant. Also, we found gr... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5368048 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5368048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5368047&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21014 AbstractSocial animals may employ evolved implicit rules to maintain a balance between cooperation and competition. Inequity aversion (IA), the aversive reaction to an unequal distribution of resources, is considered such a rule to avoid exploitation between cooperating individuals. Recent studies have revealed the presence of IA in several nonhuman species. In addition, it has been shown that an effort is crucial for this behavior to occur in animals. Moreover, IA may well depend on the partner's identity. Although dominant individuals typically monopolize food, subordinate individuals obtain less preferred food and usually do not protest. Furthermore, “friends” may pay less attention to equity than “nonfriends.” We tested whether long‐tailed macaques show IA with different cost... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5368047 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5368047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5350899&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21003 AbstractOne consequence of anthropogenic habitat alteration is that many nonhuman primates are forced into conflict interactions with humans and their livelihood activities, especially through crop raiding. These problems are particularly acute for the endemic and threatened Buton Island macaque (Macaca ochreata brunnescens), in southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Our study investigated the crop raiding behavior of this species over time. Foods eaten and the behavioral repertoire exhibited by macaques during crop raiding at and inside farm perimeters were observed over a period of 8 years (2002–2009). Storage organ crops (e.g. sweet potato) were abundant and most frequently raided by macaques. Individual macaques were most commonly observed to raid close (0–10 m) to farm perimeters. Activ... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5350899 Thu, 27 Oct 2011 07:58:57 +0100 5350899 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5350901&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21011 AbstractThe early gesturing of six bonobos, eight chimpanzees, three gorillas, and eight orangutans was systematically documented using focal animal sampling. Apes' were observed during their first 20 months of life in an effort to investigate: (i) the onset of gesturing; (ii) the order in which signals of different sensory modalities appear; (iii) the extent to which infants make use of these modalities in their early signaling; and (iv) the behavioral contexts where signals are employed. Orangutans differed in important gestural characteristics to African ape species. Most notably, they showed the latest gestural onset and were more likely to use their early signals in food‐related interactions. Tactile and visual signals appeared similarly early across all four species. In African ape... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5350901 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5350901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5350900&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21006 AbstractCurrent understanding of historic climate oscillations that have occurred over the past few million years has modified scientific views on evolution. Major climatic events have caused local and global extinction of plants and animals and have impacted the spatial distribution of many species. The endangered golden snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) currently inhabits three isolated regions of China: the Sichuan and Gansu provinces (SG), the Qinling Mountains in Shaanxi province (QL), and the Shennongjia Forestry District in Hubei province (SNJ). However, considerable uncertainty still exists about their historical dispersal routes under the influence of environment change. To date, two dispersal routes have been proposed: (1) the QL and SNJ populations originated from th... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5350900 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5350900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5339307&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21010 AbstractThe natural transmission cycle of Yellow Fever (YF) involves tree hole breeding mosquitoes and a wide array of nonhuman primates (NHP), including monkeys and apes. Some Neotropical monkeys (howler monkeys, genus Alouatta) develop fatal YF virus (YFV) infections similar to those reported in humans, even with minimum exposure to the infection. Epizootics in wild primates may be indicating YFV circulation, and the surveillance of such outbreaks in wildlife is an important tool to help prevent human infection. In 2001, surveillance activities successfully identified YF‐related death in a black‐and‐gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya), Rio Grande do Sul State (RGS) in southern Brazil, and the YFV was isolated from a species of forest‐dwelling mosquito (Haemagogus leucocelaenus).... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5339307 Sun, 23 Oct 2011 08:32:09 +0100 5339307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5277120&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21008 AbstractDespite baboons' widespread distribution across Africa, geophagy among all subspecies has been poorly documented. We used video camera traps and soil analyses to investigate geophagy in chacma baboons (Papio cynocephalus ursinus) inhabiting the Western Cape of South Africa. During an 18‐month study, from August 2009 to January 2011, we continually monitored the largest and most frequently visited geophagy sites with camera traps for 545 days and captured soil consumption at one or more sites on 266 of those days (49%). In 3,500 baboon visits to geophagy sites, video camera traps captured 58.6 hr of geophagy. From these data, we evaluated site preference based on time spent consuming soil among these four geophagy sites. One hundred and seventy days of soil consumption data from... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5277120 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:50:51 +0100 5277120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5277121&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21009 AbstractForaging in large‐scale (navigation between patches), small‐scale (choice of within‐patch feeding sites), and micro‐scale (close inspection of food items) space presents variable cognitive challenges. The reliability and usefulness of spatial memory and perceptual cues during food search in a forest environment vary among these spatial scales. This research applied an experimental field design to test the ability of a free‐ranging group composed of eight black‐horned capuchin monkeys, Cebus nigritus, inhabiting a forest fragment in Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, to use food‐associated spatial, visual, olfactory, and quantitative (amount of food) cues during small‐scale foraging decisions. The experimental design involved the establishment of a fee... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5277121 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5277121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5241512&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21002 AbstractAlthough vocal production is strongly genetically determined in nonhuman primates, vocal usage is more likely to be influenced by experience. Nonetheless, sex differences in both production and usage can be found in the vocal repertoire of adults, but little attention has been paid to their ontogeny. Here, we provide the first comprehensive analysis of the vocal repertoire of De Brazza's monkeys (Cercopithecus neglectus), with particular attention to age‐ and sex‐specific patterns. This species has special interest because it is the only monogamous species of guenons, but it nevertheless shares the strong sexual morphological and behavioral dimorphism seen in other guenons. A structurally based classification of calls recorded in 23 captive individuals has been cross‐validate... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5241512 Thu, 22 Sep 2011 20:07:57 +0100 5241512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5229329&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20999 AbstractBiological markets principles offer testable hypotheses to explain variation in grooming exchange patterns among nonhuman primates. They predict that when within‐group contest competition (WGC) is high and dominance hierarchies steep, grooming interchange with other “commodity” behaviors (such as agonistic support) should prevail. In contrast, when WGC is low and gradients shallow, market theory predicts that grooming reciprocity should prevail. We tested these predictions in a wild, provisioned Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana) group across six time periods during which the group had been subjected to varying degrees of range restriction. Data on female–female aggression, grooming, and support were collected using all‐occurrences and focal animal sampling techniques, an... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5229329 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:55:42 +0100 5229329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5241513&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20988 In this study, we present results of a cross‐sectional survey of attendees at a national conference of primatologists, characterizing their occupational exposures to NHP. Of 116 individuals who participated in the study, 68.1% reported having worked with NHP in a field setting, 68.1% in a laboratory setting, and 24.1% at a zoo or animal sanctuary. Most subjects (N=98, 84.5%) reported having worked with multiple NHP taxa, including 46 (39.7%) who had worked with more than five distinct taxa. Sixty‐nine subjects (59.5%) recalled having been scratched by a NHP and 48 (41.1%) had been bitten; 32 subjects reporting being bitten more than once. Eleven subjects (9.5%) reported having been injured by a needle containing NHP tissue or body fluids. We conclude that primatologists are at high ris... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5241513 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5241513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5213118&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20995 AbstractWe investigated the effects of cognitive experiments by direct comparison of activity budgets between wild and captive chimpanzees. One goal of captive management is to ensure that the activity budgets of captive animals are as similar as possible to those of their wild counterparts. However, such similarity has rarely been achieved. We compared the activity budget among three groups of chimpanzees: wild chimpanzees in Bossou (Guinea, n = 10), and captive chimpanzees who participated in cognitive experiments (experimental chimpanzees, n = 6) or did not participate in the experiments (nonexperimental chimpanzees, n = 6) at the Primate Research Institute (Japan). The experimental chimpanzees voluntarily participated in computer‐controlled cognitive tasks and small pieces of fruits ... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5213118 Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:05:19 +0100 5213118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5198858&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20983 The objectives of this study were to characterize this pathology, and test three hypotheses that (1) Cu deficiency may have been induced by zinc (Zn) toxicity, (2) it may have been induced by molybdenum (Mo) toxicity, and (3) cumulative rainfall during the perinatal period and particularly during gestation is an ecological factor distinguishing infants afflicted with WMS from non‐WMS infants. During 2001–2009, we observed 22 instances of WMS out of a total 377 live births in the study population. Visible symptoms exhibited by WMS infants included whitening of the animal's fur and/or impaired mobility characterized by an apparent “stiffening” of the hindlimbs. Occurrence of WMS did not vary significantly by gender. However, among individuals that survived at least 180 days, WMS male... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5198858 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:51:44 +0100 5198858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5213122&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20996 AbstractWe investigated sex differences in how Burmese long‐tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis aurea) used stone tools to open shelled food items along the shores of two islands in Laemson National Park, Thailand. Over a 2‐week period in December 2009, we collected scan and focal samples on macaques when they were visible along the shores and mangroves. We found females used stones more often while feeding and used smaller tools than males. Females also processed sessile oysters more than males, whereas males processed unattached foods more than females. It was unclear which sex was overall more proficient at stone tool use, but males did perform significantly better at opening unattached food items with large pounding stones. Females also struck food items more times during tool‐u... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5213122 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5213122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5213121&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20987 This study suggests that friendships in male bonnet macaques are characterized not by immediate tit‐for‐tat reciprocal altruism, but by reciprocity over a longer time span, and that affiliative social relationships may be less constrained by agonistic relationships than is the case in more despotic species of macaques. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1–7, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5213121 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5213121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5213120&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21001 AbstractIn captive research environments for nonhuman primates (NHP), social housing strategies are often in conflict with protocols designed to minimize disease transmission. This is particularly true in breeding colonies, and is especially relevant when attempting to eliminate specific pathogens from a population of primates. Numerous strategies have been used to establish such specific pathogen free (SPF) breeding colonies (primarily of macaques), ranging from nursery rearing of neonates to single housing of socially reared yearlings to the rearing of infants in large social groups. All these strategies attempt to balance the effects of the chosen socialization strategy on parameters related to disease transmission, including the ultimate elimination of the target pathogens. Such strate... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5213120 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5213120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5213119&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20998 AbstractAffiliation/agonism and social dominance are central factors determining social organization in primates. The aim of our study is to investigate and describe, for the first time, the intersexual relations in a nocturnal and cohesive pair‐living prosimian primate, the western woolly lemur (Avahi occidentalis), and to determine to what extent phylogeny, activity mode, or the cohesiveness of pair partners shape the quality of social interactions. Six pairs of western woolly lemurs were radio‐collared in the dry deciduous forest of northwestern Madagascar. More than 874 hr of focal animal sampling were conducted. All occurrences of social interactions involving a focal animal were recorded. The rate of affiliation between pair partners was significantly higher than the rate of ag... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5213119 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5213119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5198866&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.21000 We present the first systematic data on male dispersal in a provisioned multilevel group of Rhinopithecus roxellana, based on 4.5 years of field observations in Shennongjia National Nature Reserve, China. We evaluated both ultimate (inbreeding avoidance and male mating competition) and proximate (food availability and predation risk) factors influencing male dispersal. The focal group contained 34–53 individuals, in 3–4 one‐male units (OMUs) and 1 all‐male unit (AMU). We observed 37 dispersal events involving 10 of 11 adults, 7 of 8 subadults, and 7 of 15 juveniles. Most interunit transfers within the focal group occurred around the months of mating season. Adult males competed for the leader positions of OMUs mainly through aggressive takeovers, and young males transferred from th... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5198866 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5198866 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5198865&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20997 We examined the response of an obligate frugivore, the lion‐tailed macaque (LTM) (Macaca silenus), to a period of fruit scarcity in a rainforest in the Western Ghats, India. We estimated the abundance and distribution of fruit resources from food tree densities obtained from 348 point centered quadrats, and fruit availability from phenological monitoring of 195 trees of 15 reported major food species. Macronutrient content was estimated for fruits of 15 major food species. We estimated time spent feeding on different food items from 1,853 individual scans spanning 120 hr of observation of one habituated study group. There was a distinct period of fruit scarcity during the drier months of February to mid‐March (Period 1) compared with late March and April (Period 2), separated by summ... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5198865 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5198865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5198864&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20990 AbstractThe feeding behavior of a group of titis (Callicebus coimbrai) was monitored over an annual cycle at a site in northeastern Brazil. Behavioral data were collected in scan samples (1‐min scan at 5‐min intervals), and complementary data on fruit availability and new leaf cover were collected. Feeding time accounted for 28.9% of daily activity. Fruit was the principal item of the diet (61.2% of records) and the primary category in all months except September, when it was surpassed by leaves. Young leaves were the second most important category (20.0%). The consumption of seeds and insects was prominent in November and December. Fifty‐two plant species were exploited, and the Elaeocarpaceae, Myrtaceae, Sapotaceae, and Passifloraceae provided the vast majority (86.0%) of plant fee... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5198864 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5198864 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5198863&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20989 AbstractUnderstanding how species cope with variations in climatic conditions, forest types and habitat amount is a fundamental challenge for ecologists and conservation biologists. We used data from 18 communities of Mesoamerican spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) throughout their range to determine whether their activity patterns are affected by climatic variables (temperature and rainfall), forest types (seasonal and nonseasonal forests), and forest condition (continuous and fragmented). Data were derived from 15 published and unpublished studies carried out in four countries (Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama), cumulatively representing more than 18 years (221 months, >3,645 hr) of behavioral observations. Overall, A. geoffroyi spent most of their time feeding (38.4 ± 14... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5198863 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5198863 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5198862&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20991 AbstractRecent years have witnessed extensive research into problem solving and innovation in primates, yet lemurs have not been subjected to the same level of attention as apes and monkeys, and the social context in which novel behavior appears has rarely been considered. We gave novel foraging puzzlebox devices to seven groups of ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata and Varecia rubra) to examine the factors affecting rates of innovation and social learning. We found, across a range of group sex ratios, that animals of the less‐represented sex were more likely to contact and solve the puzzlebox sooner than those of the more‐represented sex. We established that while some individuals were able to solve the puzzleboxes there was no evidence of social learning. Our findings are consistent wi... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5198862 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5198862 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5198861&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20993 We examined the effects of these factors on the sleeping behavior of northern pigtailed macaques (Macaca leonina). While following a troop living in the surroundings of the Visitor Center of Khao Yai National Park (Thailand), we recorded the physical characteristics and location of each sleeping site, tree, the individuals' place in the tree, posture, and behavior. We collected data for 154 nights between April 2009 and November 2010. The monkeys preferred tall sleeping trees (20.9 ± SD 4.9 m) and high sleeping places (15.8 ± SD 4.3 m), which may be an antipredator strategy. The choice of sleeping trees close to the last (146.7 ± SD 167.9 m) or to the first (150.4 ± SD 113.0 m) feeding tree of the day may save energy and decrease predation risk when monkeys are searching for fo... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5198861 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5198861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5198860&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20992 AbstractA series of articles by W.J. Freeland published in the 1970s proposed that social organization and behavioral processes were heavily influenced by parasitic infections, which led to a number of intriguing hypotheses concerning how natural selection might act on social factors because of the benefits of avoiding parasite infections. For example, Freeland [1979] showed that all individuals within a given group harbored identical gastrointestinal protozoan faunas, which led him to postulate that social groups were akin to “biological islands” and suggest how this isolation could select specific types of ranging and dispersal patterns. Here, we reexamine the biological island hypothesis by quantifying the protozoan faunas of the same primate species examined by Freeland in the same... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5198860 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5198860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5198859&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20984 In this study, aggressive behaviors were recorded in a colony of pigtailed macaque monkeys (Macaca nemestrina) and related to pregnancy outcome. For 22 weeks, behavioral data were collected from nine breeding groups, consisting of zero to one male (some males were removed after a cycle of conceptions for husbandry reasons) and four to eight females. Observations included all occurrences of 11 aggressive behaviors during 15 min observation sessions, 1–3 times a week. Mean weekly aggression levels during the study period were determined for each group as well as for each pregnancy. Aggression data were summarized with Principal Components Analyses. Results indicate that pigtailed macaque aggression falls into five distinctive categories: warn, engage, threaten, pursue, and attack. Breedi... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5198859 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5198859 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5149768&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20986 AbstractVietnam has the highest number of primate taxa overall (24–27) and the highest number of globally threatened primate taxa (minimum 20) in Mainland Southeast Asia. Conservation management of these species depends in part on resolving taxonomic uncertainties, which remain numerous among the Asian primates. Recent research on genetic, morphological, and acoustic diversity in Vietnam's primates has clarified some of these uncertainties, although a number of significant classification issues still remain. Herein, we summarize and compare the major current taxonomic classifications of Vietnam's primates, discuss recent advances in the context of these taxonomies, and suggest key areas for additional research to best inform conservation efforts in a region crucial to global primate dive... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5149768 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 21:42:28 +0100 5149768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5149769&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20985 AbstractPrevious studies of Trachypithecus species indicated that they were selective feeders that concentrated on relatively few food species/items. From January to December 2005, I quantified potential food availability and the food species/items eaten by five groups of François' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) in the Mayanghe Nature Reserve (MNR), People's Republic of China. These langurs fed on 164 species, of which the top ten accounted for 51% of all feeding records. Langurs consumed more species (91) in the spring than in other seasons (73 summer, 75 autumn, and 67 winter), and only 38 species were consumed in all seasons. Nontree food species, such as bushes and lianas, accounted for 47% of the total feeding records and for a majority (68%) of the feeding records in winter. The ... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5149769 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5149769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5082473&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20981 AbstractOne of the most common types of polyspecific association observed in Neotropical primate communities is that between squirrel monkeys (Saimiri) and capuchins (Cebus). The present study focused on association patterns in two Saimiri sciureus groups in eastern Brazilian Amazonia, between March and October, 2009. The associations were analyzed in terms of the species involved, the degree of association, and niche breadth and overlap. The study involved two S. sciureus groups (B4 and GI) on the right and left bank of the Tocantins River, respectively, within the area of the Tucuruí reservoir in southeastern Pará. Relations between species were classified as associations (individuals within 50 m and moving in the same direction), and encounters (individuals within 50 m and no coor... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5082473 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 22:24:54 +0100 5082473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5072797&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20982 In this study, we investigated the effect of ground substrate as well as season, rank, age, and group size on rates of agonistic interactions per female in seven captive groups of rhesus macaques (n = 70 females, 1,723 focal samples) at the California National Primate Research Center. Agonistic interactions were divided into three categories: displacements, mild aggression, and intense aggression. Females living in enclosures with gravel substrate were 1.7 times more likely to be involved in intense aggression (e.g. chases and physical contact) than females living in enclosures with grass (Poisson regression model: P<0.001). High‐ranking females were at least 1.3 times more likely to be involved in mild (e.g. threats and lunges) aggression than lower‐ranking females (low rank: P = 0... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5072797 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:40:28 +0100 5072797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5043692&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20971 AbstractThe frequency of anointing bouts and the materials used for self‐ and social anointing vary across capuchin species in captivity, but there is little published data on capuchin anointing in the wild. Here we present previously unpublished data on anointing behaviors from capuchin monkey populations at ten different field sites and incorporate these data into a review of the anointing literature for captive and wild capuchins. Using a comparative phylogenetic framework, we test four hypotheses derived primarily from captive literature for variation in anointing between wild untufted capuchins (Cebus) and tufted capuchins (Sapajus), including that (1) the frequency of anointing is higher in Cebus, (2) Cebus uses a higher proportion of plant species to insect species for anointing c... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5043692 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:42:35 +0100 5043692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5043696&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20976 This study provides an intriguing insight into the co‐evolution of TCR and MHC molecules within primates. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1–11, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5043696 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5043696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5043695&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20979 This article is the first to explore the reciprocation and interchange of grooming in the Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus). We collected focal data on semi‐free‐ranging adult female Barbary macaques at Trentham Monkey Forest, England, and analyzed dyadic data using Generalized Linear Mixed Models. We found evidence for the reciprocal exchange of grooming and for the interchange of grooming for agonistic support and tolerance while feeding. There was no evidence that grooming was traded for a reduction in aggression; indeed, we found a positive relationship between aggression given and grooming received. This may reflect the “extortion” of grooming from subordinates by dominant animals. These results will facilitate comparative analyses of exchange behavior by adding to the current... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5043695 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5043695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5043694&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20980 AbstractIn Asian colobines, small one‐male groups (OMG) seem to predominate alongside all‐male groups (AMG), while larger multimale groups (MMG) are rare, but are reported for Hanuman langurs and red‐shanked douc langurs. Recently, however, it has been speculated that the genus Pygathrix could have multilevel societies based on (1) a theoretical extension of the multilevel societies found in Rhinopithecus to all odd‐nosed colobines and (2) first data for black‐shanked douc langurs. This assumes bands composed of small OMG with a skewed adult sex ratio. Band size may vary with seasonal food availability resulting in smaller bands when feeding competition is increased. To investigate the social organization of red‐shanked douc langurs and potential seasonal influences, we observe... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5043694 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5043694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5043693&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20977 AbstractThe critically endangered black‐faced lion tamarin, Leontopithecus caissara, has a restricted geographical distribution consisting of small mainland and island populations, each with distinct habitats in coastal southeastern Brazil. Necessary conservation management actions require an assessment of whether differences in habitats are reflected in use of space by the species. We studied two tamarin groups on the mainland at São Paulo state between August 2005 and March 2007, and compared the results with data from Superagui Island. Three home range estimators were used: minimum convex polygon (MCP), Kernel, and the new technique presented dissolved monthly polygons (DMP). These resulted, respectively, in home ranges of 345, 297, and 282ha for the 12‐month duration of the study.... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5043693 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5043693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5013203&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20975 AbstractThe endocrine control mechanisms for female mammalian aggression have been largely unstudied. Although it has been proposed that androgens may modulate female aggressive behavior in a similar manner to males, very little conclusive evidence exists. Previous work in male marmosets found that post‐encounter increases in testosterone (T) were dependent on the intensity of aggression displayed during the aggressive encounter. We exposed female marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii), a monogamous and biparental primate, to aggressive interactions with unfamiliar intruders. Individual female marmosets exhibited changes in T and estradiol (E2) that are associated with aggressiveness dependent on the intensity of aggression displayed as well as their role during the encounter. Resident females ex... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5013203 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:44:48 +0100 5013203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5002267&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20974 In this study, we investigate possible factors influencing dispersal decisions in this species. Between 1983 and 2010, 64 males were born into three study groups in Santa Rosa National Park, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, and Costa Rica. As of August 2010, 21 died or were presumed dead (<14 months), 13 remained natal residents, and 30 were presumed dispersers. We used backward logistic regression to identify proximate factors that predict the occurrence of male natal dispersal. The occurrence of a takeover (significant positive association) and group size (nonsignificant negative association) were included in the model. Male age, number of maternal brothers, and number of adult males were not significant predictors of natal dispersal. The resultant model correctly classified 97% of d... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5002267 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:03:25 +0100 5002267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4972308&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20973 AbstractHowler monkeys are among the most studied primates in the Neotropics, however, behavioral studies including estimation of food availability in Andean forests are scarce. During 12 months we studied habitat use, behavior, and feeding ecology of two groups of red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) in an isolated fragment in the Colombian Andes. We used a combination of focal animal and instantaneous sampling. We estimated fruit production (FP) using phenology transects, and calculated young leaf abundance by observing marked trees. The home range area used by each group was 10.5 and 16.7 ha and daily distances traveled were 431 ± 228 and 458 ± 259 m, respectively. We found that both groups spent most of their time resting (62–64%). Resting time did not increase with leaf con... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4972308 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 03:17:38 +0100 4972308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4963871&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20972 AbstractWhite‐faced saki monkeys (Pithecia pithecia) lack most of the behavioral and physical traits typical of primate monogamy [Fuentes, 1999]. In order to determine if social bonds in this species reflect patterns displayed by pair‐bonded groups or larger multimale–multifemale groups, we draw on 17 months of data collected on wild white‐faced sakis at Brownsberg Nature Park, Suriname. We analyzed within‐group social bonds for three habituated groups (one two‐adult and two multiadult groups) by measuring grooming, proximity, and approach/leave patterns between adult and subadult group members. We found that both two‐adult and multiadult groups showed significantly stronger social bonds between a single male–female dyad within each group (deemed “primary dyads”). In al... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4963871 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 16:21:24 +0100 4963871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4941144&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20970 AbstractUnderstanding which life‐history variables have the greatest influence on population growth rate has great ecological and conservation importance. Applying models of population regulation and demographic mechanisms can aid management and conservation of both wild and captive populations. By comparisons of sensitivity, elasticity, and life‐table response analyses, we identified demographic processes that were most likely to produce changes in population size (via prospective analyses) and the traits that actually influenced population changes (via retrospective analyses) among sexes, zoological facilities, and generations of captive squirrel monkey populations (Saimiri sciureus). Variation in life‐history traits occurs within each group analyzed. Those traits that vary the mos... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4941144 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 00:33:56 +0100 4941144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4907213&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20968 AbstractSocioecological models assume that primates adapt their social behavior to ecological conditions, and predict that food availability and distribution, predation risk and risk of infanticide by males affect patterns of social organization, social structure and mating system of primates. However, adaptability and variation of social behavior may be constrained by conservative adaptations and by phylogenetic inertia. The comparative study of closely related species can help to identify the relative contribution of ecological and of genetic determinants to primate social systems. We compared ecological features and social behavior of two species of the genus Sapajus, S. nigritus in Carlos Botelho State Park, an area of Atlantic Forest in São Paulo state, and S. libidinosus in Fazenda ... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4907213 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:26:41 +0100 4907213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4879956&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20969 This study demonstrates that cross‐species amplification and genotyping using the Illumina Golden Gate Array is a useful method to identify a large number of SNPs in closely related species, although issues with ascertainment bias may limit the type of studies where this method can be applied. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1–10, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4879956 Tue, 31 May 2011 17:29:20 +0100 4879956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4857372&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20966 This report addresses phylogenetic variation in a spatial skill that underlies tool use: aligning objects to a feature of a surface. Fragaszy and Cummins‐Sebree's [Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Reviews 4:282–306, 2005] model of relational spatial reasoning and Skill Development and Perception–Action theories guided the design of the study. We examined how capuchins and chimpanzees place stick objects of varying shapes into matching grooves on a flat surface. Although most individuals aligned the long axis of the object with the matching groove more often than expected by chance, all typically did so with poor precision. Some individuals managed to align a second feature, and only one (a capuchin monkey) achieved above‐chance success at aligning three features with matching ... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4857372 Wed, 25 May 2011 17:54:19 +0100 4857372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4835525&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20964 AbstractCopulation preferences in our closest living relative, the chimpanzee, suggest that males prefer older females who have had previous offspring. However, this finding is counter to some behavioral models, which predict that chimpanzee males, as promiscuous breeders with minimal costs to mating, should show little or no preference when choosing mating partners (e.g. should mate indiscriminately). To determine if the preferences indicated by copulations appear in other contexts as well as how they interact, we examined how male chimpanzees' grooming patterns varied amongst females. We found that males' preferences were based on interactions among females' fertility status, age, and parity. First, grooming increased with increasing female parity. We further found an effect of the estro... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4835525 Thu, 19 May 2011 15:43:19 +0100 4835525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4835526&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20959 AbstractThe form of animal social systems depends on the nature of agonistic and affiliative interactions. Social network theory provides tools for characterizing social structure that go beyond simple dyadic interactions and consider the group as a whole. We show three groups of capuchin monkeys from Barro Colorado Island, Panama, where there are strong connections between key aspects of aggression, grooming, and proximity networks, and, at least among females, those who incur risk to defend their group have particular “social personalities.” Although there is no significant correlation for any of the network measures between giving and receiving aggression, suggesting that dominance relationships do not follow a simple hierarchy, strong correlations emerge for many measures between t... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4835526 Sun, 15 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4835526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4808542&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20967 AbstractAlthough many studies have analyzed the causes and consequences of social relationships, few studies have explicitly assessed how measures of social relationships are affected by the choice of behaviors used to quantify them. The use of many behaviors to measure social relationships in primates has long been advocated, but it was analytically difficult to implement this framework into primatological work. However, recent advances in social network analysis (SNA) now allow the comparison of multiple networks created from different behaviors. Here we use our database of baboon social behavior (Papio anubis, Gashaka Gumti National Park, Nigeria) to investigate (i) to what extent social networks created from different behaviors overlap, (ii) to what extent individuals occupy similar so... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4808542 Wed, 11 May 2011 23:23:07 +0100 4808542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4799505&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20962 AbstractWe investigated whether capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) would choose to observe a high‐ or low‐status adult female from their group during experimental foraging tests. The subject was located in the center of a test chamber, with a low‐ and high‐ranking demonstrator on either side of two partitions. A peephole allowed the subject to observe the models by looking through either respective partition. Each model was trained on one of the two different methods, lift or pull, for retrieving food from a foraging apparatus. There were 22 subjects and four models. During the 40‐trial test sessions, subjects could choose which model they would watch in each trial. It was predicted that subjects would prefer observing the model with whom it was closer in rank, and therefore share g... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4799505 Mon, 09 May 2011 17:35:22 +0100 4799505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4799508&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20963 AbstractAlthough primates have remarkable olfactory capabilities, their ability for olfactory predator recognition is still understudied. We investigated this cognitive ability in wild gray and golden‐brown mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis) that were confronted with four different olfactory stimuli, derived from two Malagasy predators (fossa and barn owl) and two local nonpredator species (brown lemur and sifaka). The predator response was tested (1) in a systematic cage setup and (2) in a two‐way choice experiment with two Sherman traps on platforms in the forest (stimulus trap vs. nonstimulus trap). For part 1, the study animals were housed in cages during habituation and 5 days of experiments. One stimulus was tested per night and was presented underneath a drink... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4799508 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4799508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4799507&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20961 In this study, we analyzed the composition of methanogens and sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) from fecal samples of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in the wild and in captivity. The hydrogenotrophic microbiota of three groups of monkeys was evaluated by PCR‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprinting, small clone library construction, and quantitative real‐time PCR. Abundance of methanogens was lower than SRB in all howler monkey groups studied. DGGE banding patterns were highly similar within each wild and captive group but distinct among groups. Desulfovibrionales‐enriched DGGE showed reduced microbial diversity in the captive animals compared with their wild counterparts. Taken together, the data demonstrate that environmental or dietary changes of the ho... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4799507 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4799507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4799506&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20965 This study demonstrates the importance of long‐term monitoring in understanding population dynamics and the role of intrinsic variables in shaping the species composition of a community. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1–15, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4799506 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4799506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4772853&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20944 We describe the development of social play behavior and assess factors influencing the development of play in infant Sichuan snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana). Infant snub‐nosed monkeys began to exhibit social play at 3 months of age, when they spent an average 0.89% of time engaging in this behavior (range: 0.7–1.12%). At 6 months of age, there was a significant increase in the proportion of time spent in social play, averaging 9.78% of observation time (range: 4.92–17.08%). However, from 7 to 9 months of age during the winter, social play decreased gradually before rising again from 10 months of age in the spring. Play behavior in infant snub‐nosed monkeys is influenced by environmental temperature. Males were observed to play more than females, although further data... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4772853 Mon, 02 May 2011 22:52:28 +0100 4772853 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4772855&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20960 AbstractMonitoring concentrations of stress hormones is an important tool for behavioral research and conservation for animals both in the wild and captivity. Glucocorticoids can be measured in mammals as an indicator of stress by analyzing blood, feces, urine, hair, feathers, or saliva. The advantages of using saliva for measuring cortisol concentrations are three‐fold: it is minimally invasive, multiple samples can be collected from the same individual in a short timeframe, and cortisol has a relatively short response time in saliva as compared with other materials. The purpose of this study was to: (1) conduct an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge as a physiological validation for an enzyme immunoassay to measure salivary cortisol in chimpanzees and (2) characterize the circ... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4772855 Sun, 01 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4772855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4772854&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20957 AbstractSome populations of capuchins are reported to use tools to solve foraging problems in the wild. In most cases, this involves the act of pounding and digging. The use of probing tools by wild capuchins is considerably less common. Here we report on the results of an experimental field study conducted in southern Brazil designed to examine the ability of wild black‐horned capuchins (Sapajus nigritus) to use a wooden dowel as a lever or a probe to obtain an embedded food reward. A group of eight capuchins was presented with two experimental platforms, each housing a clear Plexiglas box containing two bananas on a shelf and four inserted dowels. Depending on the conditions of the experiment, the capuchins were required either to pull (Condition I) or push (Conditions II and III) the ... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4772854 Sun, 01 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4772854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4738174&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20958 In conclusion, the follow‐up data on tannin‐binding proteins present in salivary secretions from hamadryas baboons adds important knowledge to primate physiology and feeding ecology, in order to shed light on the establishment and development of food adaptations in primates. It also demonstrates that tannin binding is characteristic for PRP, but might not be restricted to this particular group of proteins in primate species. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1–7, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4738174 Fri, 22 Apr 2011 22:44:59 +0100 4738174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4728491&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20954 AbstractAssessing glucocorticoid levels in free‐ranging nonhuman primates provides a means to determine the social and environmental stress load for individuals. We investigated the effect of four proximate variables—reproductive state, season, male rank stability, and dominance rank—on the level of fecal glucocorticoids (cortisol metabolites) in eight adult female white‐faced capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica. Reproductive state, season, and male rank stability significantly affected fecal glucocorticoids while female dominance rank did not. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in pregnant females as compared with lactating or other reproductive states. Cortisol levels were higher among females during the dry season compared with the wet season, suggesting a metabolic adaptation... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4728491 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 07:19:16 +0100 4728491 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4711690&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20956 In this study, a 489 base pair fragment of the mitochondrial control region was amplified from 230 DNA samples collected from rhesus macaques in the Sichuan province in Western China. The fragment was then sequenced and aligned with 208 sequences from wild rhesus macaques, sampled throughout the species' geographic range in China downloaded from GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis of the 182 unique sequences identified among these samples divided Chinese rhesus macaques into two western haplogroups (haplogroups A and B) and three older eastern haplogroups (haplogroups C, D, and E), whose differentiation probably occurred during the penultimate glacial event. During the warming after the penultimate glacial event, haplogroups A, B, and E rapidly expanded and a relatively young subhaplogroup of h... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4711690 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:25:02 +0100 4711690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4711691&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20955 This study provides the first empirical evidence that high‐ranking female blue monkeys may obtain fitness benefits from their social status, by gaining priority of access to fruits during critical times in the reproductive cycle. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1–13, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4711691 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4711691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4666996&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20953 AbstractStudies on early development have demonstrated the profound effects of early social experience on the behavioral development and physiology of young rhesus macaques. Given these relationships, we hypothesized that rhesus macaques exposed to different nursery‐rearing conditions may develop unique biobehavioral profiles. If this is true, the assessment of temperament may allow us to pinpoint successful rearing environments, thus improving the overall health of nonhuman primates that are raised in captive environments. We conducted biobehavioral assessments in order to examine differences in the development of infants raised under four different peer‐rearing conditions (continuous pairing (CP), intermittent pairing, CP with partner rotation, and intermittent rotational pairing) an... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4666996 Sat, 02 Apr 2011 03:35:47 +0100 4666996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4660834&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20952 In this study we tested these two hypotheses explaining associations between the endangered golden‐headed lion tamarin, Leontopithecus chrysomelas and the sympatric Wied's marmoset, Callithrix kuhlii. We estimated predation risk by recording the number of encounters between lion tamarins and potential predators in cabruca agroforest (shaded cacao plantation) and in mosaic forest (a mix of cabruca, primary and secondary forest). To evaluate if the association between the two species was related to foraging benefits we recorded the number of associations between the two species when the lion tamarins were eating and when they were not eating. To test if the association occurred to improve predator detection and avoidance, we evaluated if associations between the species were more frequent ... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4660834 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:38:06 +0100 4660834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4660835&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20940 AbstractWe propose the first molecular systematic hypothesis for the origin and evolution of Cebus capucinus based on an analysis of 710 base pairs (bp) of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COII) mitochondrial gene in 121 C. capucinus specimens sampled in the wild. The animals came from the borders of Guatemala and Belize, Costa Rica, and eight different departments of Colombia (Antioquia, Chocó, Sucre, Bolivar, Córdoba, Magdalena, Cauca, and Valle del Cauca). Three different and significant haplotype lineages were found in Colombia living sympatrically in the same departments. They all presented high levels of gene diversity but the third Colombian gene pool was determined likely to be the most ancestral lineage. The second Colombian mitochondrial (mt) haplogroup is likely the source... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4660835 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4660835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4633587&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20950 AbstractSelf‐recognition continues to attract attention because of the evidence of a striking difference between the great apes and humans, on the one hand, and all other primates; the former are capable of self‐recognition, whereas no compelling evidence exists for prosimians, monkeys, or lesser apes. This is in spite of numerous attempts to facilitate mirror self‐recognition in other primates. Although all previous attempts to find self‐recognition in rhesus macaques have failed, a recent article [Rajala et al., PLoS One 9:e12865, 2010] claimed the opposite—that adult male rhesus monkeys did recognize their own image in a mirror. We critically examine this claim, and conclude that the article fails to provide acceptable evidence for self‐recognition in rhesus monkeys. Am. J. ... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4633587 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 23:57:14 +0100 4633587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4633588&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20947 AbstractUterine leiomyomata are common, affecting 70–80% of women between 30 and 50 years of age. Leiomyomata have been reported for a variety of primate species, although prevalence rates and treatments have not been widely reported. The prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of uterine leiomyomata in the Alamogordo Primate Facility and the Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research were examined. Uterine leiomyomata were diagnosed in 28.4% of chimpanzees with an average age at diagnosis of 30.4±8.0 years. Advanced age (>30 years) was related to an increase in leiomyomata and use of hormonal contraception was related to a decrease in leiomyomata. As the captive chimpanzee population ages, the incidence of leiomyomata among female chimpanzees will likely increase. The introdu... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4633588 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4633588 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4624125&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20951 AbstractThe nested one‐male units (OMUs) of the hamadryas baboon are part of a complex social system in which “leader” males achieve near exclusive mating access by forcibly herding females into permanent consortships. Within this multi‐level social system (troops, bands, clans and OMUs) are two types of prereproductive males—the follower and solitary male—whose different trajectories converge on the leader role. Here we compare OMU formation strategies of followers, who associate with a particular OMU and may have social access to females, with those of solitary males, who move freely within the band and do not associate regularly with OMUs. Data were derived from 42 OMU formations (16 by followers and 26 by solitary males) occurring over 8 years in a hamadryas baboon band at ... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4624125 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:43:01 +0100 4624125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4624127&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20948 AbstractThe California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) houses more than 1,000 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) of mixed Chinese–Indian ancestry. Most of these animals are kept in outdoor field cages, the colony's long term breeding resource. Since 2001, hybrids comprised between 4 and 49% of the field cage populations, but in most cases have represented a maximum of 10% of those populations. The increasing prevalence of hybrids is partly due to management efforts to distribute genetic diversity effectively and minimize genetic subdivisions. However, other factors may also contribute to the spread of hybrids within the colony, most notably variance in socio‐sexual behaviors and physical attributes. It is known that hybrids of some species exhibit heterosis, such as early matura... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4624127 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4624127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4624126&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20949 AbstractAdvances over the last 15 years have made social network analysis (SNA) a powerful tool for the study of nonhuman primate social behavior. Although many SNA‐based techniques have been only very recently adopted in primatological research, others have been commonly used by primatologists for decades. The roots of SNA also stem from some of the same conceptual frameworks as the majority of nonhuman primate behavioral research. The rapid development of SNA in recent years has led to questions within the primatological community of where and how SNA fits within this field. We aim to address these questions by providing an overview of the historical relationship between SNA and the study of nonhuman primates. We begin with a brief history of the development of SNA, followed by a detai... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4624126 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4624126 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4618555&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20942 AbstractHand preference is well observed in humans and some primates. Unlike many other primates, however, humans show a consistent hand preference across a variety of tasks, and a distinct right‐handed skew at the population level. Although there are a moderate number of published studies, primate hand preference literature is unbalanced by the large number of studies on only a few species. No previous studies have addressed hand preference in white‐faced sakis (WFS; Pithecia pithecia). We followed three habituated groups of wild WFS in Suriname and recorded individual hand preference for six different manual behaviors. There was no consistent hand preference across a range of uni‐manual behaviors for any individual. Likewise, there were significantly more ambidextrous individuals i... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4618555 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 21:50:19 +0100 4618555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4585714&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20936 AbstractAlthough some conservationists accept that not all species can be saved, we illustrate the difficulty in deciding which species are dispensable. In this article, we examine the possibility that the integrity of a forest relies on its entire faunal assemblage. In Madagascar, one faunal group, the lemurs, accounts for the greatest biomass and species richness among frugivores. For example, 7 of the 13 sympatric lemur species in Madagascar's eastern rainforests consume primarily fruit. Because of this, we suggest that some tree species may rely heavily on particular lemur taxa for both seed dispersal and germination. In Ranomafana National Park, the diets for four of the day‐active lemur frugivores have been documented during annual cycles over a 5‐year period. We predicted that, ... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4585714 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:14:05 +0100 4585714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4585715&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20941 AbstractCapuchin monkeys have provided uneven evidence of matching actions they observe others perform. In accord with theories emphasizing the attentional salience of object movement and spatial relationships, we predicted that human‐reared monkeys would better match events in which a human demonstrator moved an object into a new relation with another object or surface than other kinds of actions. Three human‐reared capuchins were invited repeatedly by a familiar human to perform a fixed set of actions upon objects or upon their bodies, using the “Do as I do” procedure. Actions directed at the body were matched less reliably than actions involving objects, and actions were matched best when the monkey looked at the demonstration for at least 2 sec and performed its action within... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4585715 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4585715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4585716&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20946 AbstractCaptive and field studies both provide valuable and complementary information that lead to a better understanding of a species' behavioral ecology. Here, we review studies from wild, captive, and semi‐free ranging populations of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sp.), in order to (a) provide a more current (1985–2010) review of Saimiri behavioral ecology and (b) illustrate that integrating data collected in a variety of settings is an effective approach to addressing ecological questions in primates. Captive environments, such as zoological facilities and research colonies, can be advantageous to researchers by allowing longitudinal studies of behavior and reproduction, as well as providing opportunities for gathering data on life history, because physiological and life history data ar... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4585716 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4585716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4567971&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20945 AbstractSocial network analysis (SNA) is a general heading for a collection of statistical tools that aim to describe social interactions and social structure by representing individuals and their interactions as graph objects. It was originally developed for the social sciences, but more recently it was also adopted by behavioral ecologists. However, although SNA offers a full range of exciting possibilities for the study of animal societies, some authors have raised concerns about the correct application and interpretation of network measures. In this article, we investigate how reliable and how stable network measures are (i.e. how much variation they show under re‐sampling and how much they are influenced by erroneous observations). For this purpose, we took a data set of 44 nonhuman... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4567971 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:17:59 +0100 4567971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4546734&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20943 AbstractAmong 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 just after they were relocated to a new enriched enclosure. Results showed similar immediate responses to the move in the two species. Both showed a substantial increase in the time spent resting and spent more time in the highest and “safest” part of their enclosure after relocation. Both capuchins and squirrel monkeys spent significantly more time in close proximity to other group members after relocation, compared to before... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4546734 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 21:18:06 +0100 4546734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4514643&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20939 This study explores affiliative relationships between females and the alpha male during the nonbreeding season in wild tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella nigritus). Affiliative relationships were explored through female–male patterns of spatial proximity and grooming. By adopting a social network approach, we analyzed: (1) whether the alpha male is the preferred male partner for females and, (2) whether variation (if any) in female–alpha male affiliation can be explained through both female individual characteristics and social network metrics. Our results showed that alpha males were the favorite male partner for adult females in the proximity networks, but this did not hold true in the grooming networks. In addition, female–alpha male interaction patterns showed considerable var... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4514643 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:10:02 +0100 4514643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4509371&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20932 We describe the advantages of using such a method and we focus on the specificity of this approach in primates, given the particularities of their social networks compared with those of other taxa. We also give practical considerations and a list of examples as for the choice of parameters that can be used to implement the social layer within the models. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1–7, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4509371 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:44:15 +0100 4509371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4504201&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20938 AbstractAnthropogenic habitat disturbance impairs ecosystem health by fragmenting forested areas, introducing environmental contamination, and reducing the quality of habitat resources. The effect of this disturbance on wildlife health is of particular concern in Madagascar, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, where anthropogenic pressures on the environment remain high. Despite the conservation importance of threatened lemur populations in Madagascar, few data exist on the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on lemur health. To examine these impacts, indri (Indri indri) populations were evaluated from two forest reserves that differ in their exposure to anthropogenic disturbance. We compared the health status of 36 indri individuals from two sites: one population from a protected, ... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4504201 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:00:04 +0100 4504201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4504202&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20937 We examined the possibility that visual scanning (turning the head for more than 3 sec) and contact calls (coo calls) function as visual and auditory monitoring behaviors to avoid separation from group members in wild Japanese macaques. The rate of visual scanning increased as proximity to group members decreased and as mobile activities (foraging and moving) increased, compared with immobile activities (resting and grooming). However, the rate of contact calls varied differently with proximity and activities. During resting and moving, the rate of contact calls increased as proximity decreased. In contrast, the rate increased with closer proximity during feeding. Visual scanning during all activities and contact calls during resting and moving increased when the group members were likel... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4504202 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4504202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4479714&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20933 AbstractIn the bicentenary year of Darwin's birth, the American Society of Primatologists honored his memory by convening a symposium entitled “Understanding emotions in primates: In honor of Darwin's 200th birthday.” The four articles in this special section, excepting this introduction, derive from that symposium. The section confirms that the topic of emotion is once again, as in Darwin's lifetime, the subject of wide‐ranging, theoretically exciting research, and that studies with nonhuman primates are at the leading edge of a rapidly changing field. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1–4, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4479714 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:54:28 +0100 4479714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4479715&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20931 AbstractUrine washing (UW) consists of depositing urine on the hands and vigorously rubbing the body. As urine contains chemical and pheromonal cues, UW may convey socially relevant information. Although ritualized UW is observed in many New World primates, including capuchin monkeys, the functional significance of UW remains unclear. In this experiment, we investigated the social signaling hypothesis of UW. Specifically, we hypothesized that UW by males conveys socially relevant signals that females can detect. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to test whether adult female capuchins show differential brain activation in response to adult male and juvenile male capuchin urine. We expected to see changes in activation of structures involved in olfactory processing, includ... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4479715 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4479715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4467462&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20928 AbstractHuman and nonhuman primates rely almost exclusively on vision for social communication. Therefore, tracking eye movements and examining visual scan paths can provide a wealth of information about many aspects of primate social information processing. Although eye‐tracking techniques have been utilized with humans for some time, similar studies in nonhuman primates have been less frequent over recent decades. This has largely been owing to the need for invasive manipulations, such as the surgical implantation of devices to limit head movement, which may not be possible in some laboratories or at some universities, or may not be congruent with some experimental aims (i.e., longitudinal studies). It is important for all nonhuman primate researchers interested in visual information p... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4467462 Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:43:03 +0100 4467462 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4467465&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20929 AbstractDo we need to consider mental processes in our analysis of brain functions in other animals? Obviously we do, if such BrainMind functions exist in the animals we wish to understand. If so, how do we proceed, while still retaining materialistic–mechanistic perspectives? This essay outlines the historical forces that led to emotional feelings in animals being marginalized in behavioristic scientific discussions of why animals behave the way they do, and why mental constructs are generally disregarded in modern neuroscientific analyses. The roots of this problem go back to Cartesian dualism and the attempt of 19th century physician–scientists to ground a new type of medical curriculum on a completely materialistic approach to body functions. Thereby all vitalistic principles were ... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4467465 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4467465 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4467464&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20935 (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4467464 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4467464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4467463&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20934 (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4467463 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4467463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4421433&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20930 AbstractWe performed histological analyses for comparing testicular microstructure between the gorilla, chimpanzee, and orangutan. Testicular samples were obtained by autopsy or biopsy from 10 gorillas, 11 chimpanzees, and 7 orangutans from several zoos and institutes. The seminiferous epithelia were thick in the chimpanzee and orangutan but thin in the gorilla. Leydig cells in the interstitial tissue were abundant in the gorilla. The acrosomic system was extremely well developed in the orangutans. Our study reveals that the cycle of seminiferous epithelium in orangutan testis can be divided into ten stages, whereas that in human, chimpanzee, and gorilla testes can be divided into only six stages. Phylogenetic analyses of the number of divisions may indicate that the seminiferous epitheliu... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4421433 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 19:46:26 +0100 4421433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4402470&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20906 AbstractThis commentary introduces this special section on “The Effects of Bonds Between Human and Nonhuman Primates on Primatological Research and Practice.” The aim is to explore the different causes and consequences of bonding experiences between observers and observed in different primatological contexts. In the first contribution, Vitale asks what are the possible consequences of such bonding in behavioral primatology. Examples of beneficial consequences of this kind of relationship come from studies on cognitive abilities of great apes. Furthermore, an empathic attitude with the experimental animals leads to better care and attention toward individual welfare needs. Coleman discusses the particular case of nonhuman primates housed in research laboratories. Care‐giving practices... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4402470 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 19:44:07 +0100 4402470 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4379701&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20926 AbstractCantanhez National Park in southern Guinea‐Bissau is a mosaic of forest, mangrove, savanna, and agricultural fields, with a high prevalence of oil‐palm trees (Elaeis guineensis). It hosts many different animal species, including the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus). Very little is known about the ecology of chimpanzees inhabiting this area. The main aims of this study were to evaluate chimpanzee nesting behavior, define trends of habitat use, and estimate chimpanzee density in four separate forests by applying the marked nest counts methodology. From the 287 new nests counted, 92% were built in oil‐palm trees with a significantly higher frequency of nests in the forest edge than in forest cores. Differences in nest detection rates were observed in the four monitored forests... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4379701 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4379701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4379700&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20927 AbstractThe mother–offspring bond is one of the strongest and most essential social bonds. Following is a detailed behavioral report of a female chimpanzee 2 days after her 16‐month‐old infant died, on the first day that the mother is observed to create distance between her and the corpse. A series of repeated approaches and retreats to and from the body are documented, along with detailed accounts of behaviors directed toward the dead infant by the mother and other group members. The behavior of the mother toward her dead infant not only highlights the maternal contribution to the mother–infant relationship but also elucidates the opportunities chimpanzees have to learn about the sensory cues associated with death, and the implications of death for the social environment. Am. J. P... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4379700 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4379700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4365869&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20925 We present the first results regarding the life history, maternal behavior and infant development of the critically endangered blue‐eyed black lemur (Eulemur flavifrons) of Madagascar. The species breeds seasonally, with births occurring at the end of the dry season, between late August and October. Over two successive birth seasons in 2006 and 2007, we observed a total of 13 lactating females and 22 infants from six groups. We inferred age at first reproduction as 3 years, and calculated the birth rate as 1.0 infant per female per year with a mean inter‐birth interval of 358 ± 24.81 days (319–410 days). Infants spent the first 3 weeks of life constantly with their mothers; locomotor independence and ingestion of solid food began at week 10, and the infants were weaned by week 25. A... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4365869 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4365869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4357912&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20923 (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4357912 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4357912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4357911&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20918 AbstractTo better understand how individual relationships influence patterns of social foraging in primate groups, we explored networks of co‐feeding in wild desert baboons (Papio ursinus). To minimize the risk of aggression and injury associated with contest competition, we expected that individual group members would choose to co‐feed with those group‐mates that are most likely to show tolerance and a willingness to share food patches. We tested two alternative hypotheses about who those group‐mates might be: the “social bonds hypothesis” predicts that preferred foraging partners will be those with whom individuals share strong social bonds, indexed by grooming, whereas the “kinship hypothesis” predicts that preferred foraging partners will be relatives. We also investiga... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4357911 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4357911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4357910&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20924 AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the taxonomic status of an unidentified enigmatic macaque seen by scientists since the late 1990s in Arunachal Pradesh, India. We surveyed 49 troops of enigmatic macaques in four districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The population studied is from the macaque sinica‐group as defined by the reproductive organs. The main species‐separating trait in the sinica‐group is tail length to head and body length ratio that decreases with latitude and elevation. We gathered data on morphology, pelage descriptions, tail to head and body ratios and tail to hind foot ratios from photos and live animals (43 individuals from 36 areas) within the range of and between the two subspecies of the Assamese macaque (Macaca assamensis). We compared the data to six... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4357910 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4357910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4357909&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20920 AbstractControversy over claims of cultures in nonhuman primates and other animals has led to a call for quantitative methods that are able to infer social learning from freely interacting groups of animals. Network‐based diffusion analysis (NBDA) is such a method that infers social transmission of a behavioral trait when the pattern of acquisition follows the social network. As, relative to other animals, primates may be unusual in their heavy reliance on social learning, with learning frequently directed along pathways of association; in this study, we draw attention to the significance of this method for primatologists. We provide a “users guide” to NBDA methodology, discussing the choice of NBDA model and social network, and suggest model selection procedures. We also present the... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4357909 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4357909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4301449&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20921 In conclusion, the results show that the microbial population present in gelada feces is able to ferment forage and concentrate substrates in vitro, although this fermentation did not occur with the expected effectiveness. Future studies should therefore focus also on the bacteria species involved. Am. J. Primatol. 71:1–9, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4301449 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4301449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4301448&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20922 AbstractSome questions that arise from observations of responses to dead and dying individuals by nonhuman primates are discussed, focusing on psychological issues. The phenomenon of transport and care of dead infants is reviewed, along with the consequences of the mother dying for orphaned offspring. It is argued that particular attention should be paid to how the context of a death affects individuals, for example, traumatic accidental or predation‐induced death versus peaceful death following illness. Some primates kill others of their own or other species, which raises additional questions about death awareness and empathy. Observations from both the field and captivity can contribute toward a better understanding of the psychological meaning of death for primates. Some aspects of de... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4301448 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4301448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4301447&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20919 This study adds to our growing body of knowledge on primate survival in matrix habitats, and will hopefully inform primate management plans throughout the Neotropics. Am. J. Primatol. 71:1–10, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4301447 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4301447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4283210&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20917 AbstractThis is the first study of vocal individuality in male songs of black crested gibbons. The sound recordings were carried out at two field sites, Pinghe, Ailao Mountains, and Dazhaizi, Wuliang Mountains, both located in Yunnan province, China. A total of 127 coda phrases of 38 male songs bouts of eight individual male gibbons were analyzed. Stepwise discriminant function analysis was used to examine the acoustic individuality of the males. We found that individuality among neighbors was very pronounced. Moreover, individuality within a site (i.e. among neighbors) is higher than among individuals between sites. Our finding suggests that black crested gibbons may actively increase their degree of vocal individuality against that of their immediate neighbors by vocal adjustment. Am. J.... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4283210 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4283210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4283209&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20913 AbstractVocal communication in nonhuman primates receives considerable research attention, with many investigators arguing for similarities between this calling and speech in humans. Data from development and neural organization show a central role of affect in monkey and ape sounds, however, suggesting that their calls are homologous to spontaneous human emotional vocalizations while having little relation to spoken language. Based on this evidence, we propose two principles that can be useful in evaluating the many and disparate empirical findings that bear on the nature of vocal production in nonhuman and human primates. One principle distinguishes production‐first from reception‐first vocal development, referring to the markedly different role of auditory‐motor experience in each... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4283209 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4283209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4283208&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20914 AbstractSocial network analysis offers new tools to study the social structure of primate groups. We used social network analysis to investigate the cohesiveness of a grooming network in a captive chimpanzee group (N = 17) and the role that individuals may play in it. Using data from a year‐long observation, we constructed an unweighted social network of preferred grooming interactions by retaining only those dyads that groomed above the group mean. This choice of criterion was validated by the finding that the properties of the unweighted network correlated with the properties of a weighted network (i.e. a network representing the frequency of grooming interactions) constructed from the same data. To investigate group cohesion, we tested the resilience of the unweighted grooming network... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4283208 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4283208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4283207&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20915 AbstractWhen living in a group, individuals have to make trade‐offs, and compromise, in order to balance the advantages and disadvantages of group life. Strategies that enable individuals to achieve this typically affect inter‐individual interactions resulting in nonrandom associations. Studying the patterns of this assortativity using social network analyses can allow us to explore how individual behavior influences what happens at the group, or population level. Understanding the consequences of these interactions at multiple scales may allow us to better understand the fitness implications for individuals. Social network analyses offer the tools to achieve this. This special issue aims to highlight benefits from using social network analysis in the study of primate behavior and to a... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4283207 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4283207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4243666&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20916 We examined the relationship between female philopatry, dominance hierarchies, and reproduction in geladas (Theropithecus gelada), a species with an unusual multi‐leveled society. During a 4‐year field study on a wild population in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, we observed 14 units across two bands of geladas that underwent a number of events, such as male takeovers and female deaths, which could potentially disrupt female relationships and unit structure. First, we corroborate earlier reports that gelada females are natally philopatric: we observed no interunit migrations, and the female mortality rate was comparable to that of philopatric baboons (suggesting all female disappearances were indeed deaths). Second, contrary to previous reports, data from this long‐term... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4243666 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4243666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4240038&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20912 In this study, we examined a database of 1,102 agonistic interactions and their corresponding postconflict periods in two outdoor‐housed groups of captive chimpanzees in order to test the occurrence of postconflict third‐party affiliation of aggressors. Our results confirmed the occurrence of appeasement, i.e. postconflict affiliation by a bystander toward an aggressor, but failed to detect the occurrence of postconflict affiliation directed from aggressors toward bystanders. Appeasement rates did not differ according to the sex of the involved individuals. In addition, appeasement occurred more often in the absence of reconciliation than after its occurrence suggesting that appeasement may act as an alternative to reconciliation when the latter fails to occur. Both study groups showed... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4240038 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4240038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4240042&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20908 In this study, we investigated SI in a multilevel troop of Golden snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) inhabiting the Qinling Mountains, China. Behavioral observations of 11 one‐male units (OMU) that comprised the multilevel troop were conducted from September 2007 to May 2008. During this period 17.1% of 652 documented intra‐OMU sexual encounters were characterized either by mild or aggressive forms of harassment. Sexual harassment was typically performed by a single individual (91.9%), and in 75.7% of cases the harasser was an adult or sub‐adult female. The frequency of female harassment was positively correlated with the number of adult and sub‐adult females residing in an OMU, and resulted in a significant decrease in matings ending in ejaculation. We found that the a... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4240042 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4240042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4240041&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20909 In this study, however, uA levels did not vary, based on their mothers' pregnancy status or the presence of younger siblings in the natal group. Patterns of androgen excretion in the white‐faced marmoset roughly reflect those of other callitrichine species. Furthermore, unlike callitrichine daughters, gonadal activity in sons does not seem to be sensitive to within‐group social cues. Am. J. Primatol. 71:1–8, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4240041 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4240041 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4240040&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20902 AbstractDespite intensive study in humans, responses to dying and death have been a neglected area of research in other social mammals, including nonhuman primates. Two recent reports [Anderson JR, Gillies A, Lock LC. 2010. Pan thanatology. Current Biology 20:R349–R351; Biro D, Humle T, Koops K, Souse C, Hayashi M, Matsuzawa T. 2010. Chimpanzee mothers at Bossou, Guinea carry the mummified remains of their dead infants. Current Biology 20:R351–R352] offered exciting new insights into behavior toward dying and dead conspecifics in our closest living relatives—chimpanzees. Here, we provide a comparative perspective on primate thanatology using observations from a more distant human relative—gelada monkeys (Theropithecus gelada)—and discuss how gelada reactions to dead and dying gro... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4240040 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4240040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4240039&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20910 AbstractMineral licks—also known as “salados,” “saladeros,” or “collpas”—are specific sites in tropical and temperate ecosystems where a large diversity of mammals and birds come regularly to feed on soil. Although the reasons for vertebrate geophagy are not completely understood, animals are argued to obtain a variety of nutritional and health benefits from the ingestion of soil at mineral licks. We studied the temporal patterns of mineral lick use by white‐bellied spider monkey (Ateles belzebuth) and red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus) in a lowland rain forest in Amazonian Ecuador. Using camera and video traps at four different mineral licks, combined with behavioral follows of one group of spider monkeys, we documented rates of mineral lick visitation by both primat... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4240039 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4240039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4210822&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20905 We examined the pattern and possible functions of social interactions between adult males and immatures in three free‐ranging, multi‐male groups of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei). Previous studies conducted during the 1970s when groups contained one to three adult males concluded that male–immature relationships were likely to be a form of low‐cost paternal investment [Stewart, Mountain gorillas: three decades of research at Karisoke. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2001]. We evaluated whether this hypothesis still held in groups containing six to nine adult males, or if male–immature relationships might serve other functions (e.g. mating effort, kin selection, or alliance building). Overall, we found that immatures spent the most time near, and interact... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4210822 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4210822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4210821&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20900 AbstractIn a competitive sympatric association, coexisting species may try to reduce interspecific interactions as well as competition for similar resources by several ecological and behavioral practices. We studied resource utilization of three sympatric primate species namely, lion‐tailed macaques (Macaca silenus), bonnet macaques (M. radiata) and Hanuman langurs (Semnopithecus entellus) in a tropical rainforest of the central Western Ghats, south India. We studied resource use, tree‐height use, foraging height, substrate use when consuming animal prey and interspecific interactions. The results revealed that across the year, there was very limited niche overlap in diet between each species‐pair. Each primate species largely depended on different plant species or different plant pa... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4210821 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4210821 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4210820&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20903 AbstractSocial network analysis (SNA) is rapidly gaining popularity in primatology, but its application to the management of zoo‐housed primates has been largely overlooked. Here I use SNA techniques to explore the social structure of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) housed in the new “Budongo Trail” exhibit at Edinburgh Zoo, UK. Given that individuals have extensive space (2332 m2), and access to several interconnected exhibit sections, I test the hypothesis that individuals are able to choose to interact with specific social partners. Spatial association and social interaction data were recorded from 400 focal watches on 11 individuals, and association, affiliative, and agonistic networks were constructed. Matrix correlations showed that individuals who spent time in close proximity... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4210820 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4210820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4210819&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20907 AbstractIn the wild, male rhesus macaques disperse at sexual maturity. In captivity, however, males cannot disperse from their natal groups. Thus, the presence of natal males in captive rhesus social groups is unnatural and has the potential to negatively influence group dynamics and stability. A primary difference between natal males and non‐natal (immigrant) males is that natal males have the opportunity to form long‐term alliances with their maternal kin as well as nonkin. We investigated the factors associated with natal males' kin alliances and the impact of these alliances on measures of natal male behavior, group dynamics, and group stability. We found that natal males more frequently formed alliances with maternal kin when they were from high‐ranking matrilines, had more sibl... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4210819 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4210819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4210818&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20901 AbstractAs anthropogenic habitat changes are often considered a threat to natural ecosystems and wildlife, a sound understanding of the effects of habitat alteration on endangered species is crucial when designing management strategies or performing conservation activities. Black‐and‐white snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) are categorized as endangered on the IUCN Red List and are endemic to the trans‐Himalayas in China. At present, there are only 15 groups and 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild, and they are facing intense habitat degradation with selective logging for house building and firewood. Habitat deterioration through wood extraction is occurring at Xiaochangdu, Tibet, where one stable group of R. bieti lives in a marginal habitat in the northernmost part of t... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4210818 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4210818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4194304&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20904 (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4194304 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:18:25 +0100 4194304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4194301&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20906 AbstractThis commentary introduces this special issue on “The Effects of Bonds Between Human and Nonhuman Primates on Primatological Research and Practice.” The aim is to explore the different causes and consequences of bonding experiences between observers and observed in different primatological contexts. In the first contribution, Vitale asks what are the possible consequences of such bonding in behavioral primatology. Examples of beneficial consequences of this kind of relationship come from studies on cognitive abilities of great apes. Furthermore, an empathic attitude with the experimental animals leads to better care and attention toward individual welfare needs. Coleman discusses the particular case of nonhuman primates housed in research laboratories. Care‐giving practices a... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4194301 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:18:12 +0100 4194301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4194303&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20896 AbstractThe ranges of small kinda (Papio kindae) and much larger grayfooted chacma (P. ursinus griseipes) baboons adjoin in the Kafue National Park, Zambia. In a visual survey of baboons at 48 sites in the Kafue River drainage we found that, contrary to previous reports, groups at the species interface near the town of Ngoma are phenotypically diverse and presumably formed by multigenerational hybridization. Mitochondrial and/or Y‐chromosome genetic markers from fecal samples (N=164) collected at 29 sites support this conclusion. Groups with phenotypic signs of a history of hybridization also had taxon‐specific mitochondria and Y‐haplotypes from both parental species. Although the distribution of mitochondrial haplotypes largely mirrored that of external phenotypes, a significant pro... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4194303 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4194303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4194302&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20911 (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4194302 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4194302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4153859&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20899 AbstractBonobos (Pan paniscus; n = 5), orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus abelii; n = 6), and a gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla; n = 1) were presented with two opaque cups, one empty and one baited (containing two bananas). Subjects had to independently gain weight information about the contents of the cups to find the hidden food. Six apes attained above chance level within a total of 16 trials. Successful subjects spontaneously adopted the method of successively lifting the cups and thus comparing their weight before making a choice. Prior to testing, these apes had participated in a weight discrimination task. To rule out that a subject's good performance was influenced by previous experience in weight experiments, we ran a second test in which the same task was presented to a group of chimpan... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4153859 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 08:11:39 +0100 4153859 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4147366&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20897 AbstractSocioecological theory suggests that feeding competition shapes female social relationships. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) live in fission–fusion societies that allow them to react flexibly to increased feeding competition by forming smaller foraging parties when food is scarce. In chimpanzees at Gombe and Kibale, female dominance rank can crucially influence feeding competition and reproductive success as high‐ranking females monopolize core areas of relatively high quality, are more gregarious, and have higher body mass and reproductive success than low‐ranking females. Chimpanzee females in Taï National Park do not monopolize core areas; they use the entire territory as do the males of their community and are highly gregarious. Although female chimpanzees in Taï generall... American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4147366 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 11:08:28 +0100 4147366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4147367&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20898 This study uses the phylogenetic comparative method of independent contrasts to test for an evolutionary relationship between striatum volume and a measure of social play in nonhuman primates. Relative volume of the primate striatum correlates with rate of social, but not nonsocial, play behavior across species, suggesting a coevolution of traits. The pleasurable and procedural aspects of social play behavior may be mediated in part by the striatum and further to its connection to dopaminergic pathways in the primate brain. Am. J. Primatol. 71:1–9, 2010.© 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4147367 Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4147367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4113610&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20894 Abstract (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4113610 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 21:41:04 +0100 4113610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4092665&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20889 Abstract (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4092665 Sun, 24 Oct 2010 08:00:58 +0100 4092665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4075963&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20880 Abstract (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4075963 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:13:21 +0100 4075963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4054577&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20893 Abstract (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4054577 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:38:22 +0100 4054577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4000244&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20882 Abstract (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4000244 Sat, 25 Sep 2010 13:37:11 +0100 4000244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3979045&cid=s_33751_36_f&fid=33751&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fajp.20881 Abstract (Source: American Journal of Primatology) American Journal of Primatology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3979045 Sat, 18 Sep 2010 07:53:12 +0100 3979045