Fecal Glucocorticoid Measurements and Their Relation to Rearing,Behavior, and Environmental Factors in the Population of Pileated Gibbons (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hylobates pileatus</Emphasis>) Held in European Zoos |
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Authors: | Mirella Pirovino Michael Heistermann Nina Zimmermann Robert Zingg Marcus Clauss Daryl Codron Franz-Josef Kaup Hanspeter W Steinmetz |
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Institution: | 1.Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty,University of Zurich,Zurich,Switzerland;2.Chester Zoo, The North of England Zoological Society,Chester,UK;3.Reproductive Biology Unit,German Primate Center,G?ttingen,Germany;4.Zurich Zoo,Zurich,Switzerland;5.Pathology Unit,German Primate Center,G?ttingen,Germany |
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Abstract: | Pileated gibbons (Hylobates pileatus) are rated as endangered according to the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The captive population
suffers from poor breeding success and is threatened to become overaged. Although several factors are likely to contribute
to the poor breeding success, one in particular may be chronic stress associated with prolonged periods of high glucocorticoid
(GC) output. We investigated fecal GC levels of pileated gibbons (Hylobates pileatus) and their relationship to specific life-history variables and environmental factors. After validation of an enzyme immunoassay
for the measurement of 5-reduced 3α,11β-dihydroxy cortisol metabolites to assess GC output reliably in pileated gibbons, we
collected fecal samples over several days from all 36 European adult pileated gibbons located in 11 institutions and compared
GC levels to intrinsic individual parameters, husbandry, behavior, and breeding history. Age, sex, and origin (wild vs. captive
born) had no effect on GC levels. However, unnaturally reared gibbons had higher GC levels and showed more behavioral abnormalities
than parent-reared individuals. Further, nonreproducing gibbons living in a pair without infants had higher GC concentrations
than gibbons living in a family, bachelor group, or as singletons. With respect to environmental factors, a large size of
the inside enclosure and the existence of visual protection from visitors was associated with lower fecal GC output. The data
indicate that rearing and housing conditions appear to correlate to GC levels in pileated gibbons housed under captive conditions.
It is hoped this knowledge will support the future management of the species in captivity and thus lead to a more successful
breeding of this endangered primate. |
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