Capture,immobilization, and Global Positioning System collaring of olive baboons (Papio anubis) and vervets (Chlorocebus pygerythrus): Lessons learned and suggested best practices

As the value of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology in addressing primatological questions becomes more obvious, more studies will include capturing and collaring primates, with concomitant increased risk of adverse consequences to primate subjects. Here we detail our experiences in capturing, immobilizing, and placing GPS collars on six olive baboons (Papio anubis) in four groups and 12 vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) in five groups in Kenya. We captured baboons with cage traps and vervets with box traps, immobilized them, and attached GPS collars that were to be worn for 1 year. Adverse consequences from the trapping effort included incidental death of two nonsubjects (an adult female and her dependent infant), temporary rectal prolapse in one baboon, superficial wounds on the crown of the head in two vervets, and failure to recapture/remove collars from two baboons and two vervets. Obvious negative effects from wearing collars were limited to abrasions around the neck of one vervet. A possible, and if so, serious, adverse effect was greater mortality for collared adult female vervets compared with known uncollared adult female vervets, largely due to leopard (Panthera pardus) predation. Collared animals could be more vulnerable to predation because trapping favors bolder individuals, who may also be more vulnerable to predation, or because collars could slow them down or make them more noticeable to predators. Along with recommendations made by others, we suggest that future studies diversify trapping bait to minimize the risk of rectal prolapse, avoid capturing the first individuals to enter traps, test the movement speeds of collared versus noncollared animals, include a release system on the collars to avoid retrapping failure, and publish both positive and negative effects of capturing, immobilizing, and collaring.     

Local and distant prey-related cues influence when an acarine predator leaves a prey patch

Over relatively long distances, the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis is able to detect volatiles produced by bean plants that are infested by its prey, Tetranychus urticae, the twospotted spider mite. Our investigation examined the separate and combined effects of prey, their products, and prey-induced plant volatiles on when P. persimilis left a potential prey host plant. In wind tunnels, we assessed the relative importance of and interaction among local and distant prey-related cues. The examination of local cues included: (1) all local cues (prey eggs, webbing, and prey-induced plant volatiles), (2) food (prey eggs) and webbing only, (3) plant volatiles only, and (4) no prey-related cues. The examination of distant cues involved the presence or absence of prey-induced plant volatiles from upwind plants. External volatile cues, produced by placing prey-infested plants upwind in the wind tunnel, resulted in more predators leaving downwind plants, and leaving sooner, than when clean plants were upwind, regardless of the availability of prey or prey-related cues on the local plant. However, local cues, especially the presence of food/webbing, had a greater effect than distant cues on timing of predator leaving. Predators remained in larger numbers and for longer times on prey-infested plants. However, the presence of either locally-produced plant volatiles or food/webbing alone still reduced the number of predators leaving a plant in the first hour compared to clean plants. After the first hour, the number of predators leaving was primarily driven by the presence of food/webbing. When no food/webbing was available, predators left plants rapidly; if food/webbing was available, some predatory mites remained on plants at least 24 hours. Even if no food/webbing was available, predators presented with local volatiles remained on plants for several hours longer than on clean plants without local volatiles. These small changes in leaving rates may lead to differences in local population dynamics, and possibly regional persistence, of the predator-prey interaction in patchy environments.     

Field Methods for Capturing and Marking Azarai Night Monkeys

Long-term behavioral studies require the permanent identification of individuals. The need for individual identification is even more crucial for sexually monomorphic species since not even the sexes can be differentiated by the field observer. Owl monkeys (Aotus spp.) are sexually monomorphic primates inhabiting the forests of Central and South America. We report here on the methods and drug dosages used to capture, mark, and identify individual owl monkeys (Aotus azarai azarai) in Eastern Formosa, Argentina. We successfully captured 70 owl monkeys using blowpipes or a CO₂ rifle, but attempts to capture them with baited traps proved unsuccessful. During the marking and collaring procedures, we gave individuals on average a total of 50 mg of ketamine hydrochloride, including the dose in the dart. To mark them, we freeze-branded portions of their tails and fitted them with radio or bead collars. There was no death or physical life-threatening injury while capturing or marking individuals. The procedures we describe should allow one to safely capture and to mark small arboreal primates when trapping is not possible.     

Accuracy,Precision, and Observation Rates of Global Positioning System Telemetry Collars

ABSTRACT We addressed concerns regarding performance of various Global Positioning System (GPS) collar configurations for describing habitat use by Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus) in rugged, forested terrain. We tested 8 GPS collars (Lotek Wireless, Newmarket, ON, Canada) in 4 different model and equipment configurations at 2 reference points (an open hilltop and a forested ravine) to determine habitat-specific differences in performance among collar configurations. We then placed individual collars at 60 additional points that were stratified randomly among 4 canopy-cover classes and 3 classes of available sky. All collars exhibited a locational bias of 4 m horizontally west and of 10 m vertically below a reference standard established by position-averaging with a handheld receiver (Garmin 12MAP) calibrated at National Geodetic Survey benchmarks. The GPS collar models that were programmed for longer satellite-acquisition times provided greater location precision than models that had been programmed for short acquisition times to preserve battery power. Canopy cover and available sky had a greater effect on collar location precision and observation rates than slope, slope position, aspect, conifer basal area, tree height, canopy depth, or elevation. Researchers should test collars at known reference points to confirm that location precision and rates of observation are adequate for their particular study objectives. Manufacturers of GPS collars should inform clients of their programming criteria for acquisition time so that customers can make informed decisions regarding trade-offs between precision of locations, data quantity, and battery life.     

Comparative Performance of Three Brands of Lightweight Global Positioning System Collars

ABSTRACT Recent miniaturization and weight reductions of Global Positioning System (GPS) collars have opened up deployment opportunities on a new array of terrestrial animal species, but the performance of lightweight (<90 g) GPS collars has not been evaluated. I examined the success of 42 GPS collars from 3 manufacturers (Televilt/TVP Positioning, AB, Lindesburg, Sweden; Sirtrack Ltd., Havelock North, New Zealand; H.A.B.I.T [HABIT] Research Ltd., Victoria, BC, Canada) in stationary, open-sky conditions and during deployments on brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), a nocturnal arboreal marsupial. I assessed performance of these collars in terms of technical malfunctions, fix-success rates, battery longevity, and aspects of location quality. Technical malfunctions occurred in >50% of HABIT and Televilt collars, whereas all Sirtrack collars operated normally. Fix-success rates for all brands were significantly higher during stationary tests than when deployed on brushtail possums. HABIT and Televilt brands functioned poorly in field conditions, with success rates of 16.2% and 2.1%, respectively. Sirtrack collars had the highest fix rate when deployed (64.8%). I modified several HABIT collars by changing the GPS antenna location, with a resultant substantial increase in field fix success (92.6%). Most collars ceased working before they reached 50% of their manufacturer-estimated life expectancy. Suboptimal placement of GPS antenna, combined with short satellite acquisition times and long fix intervals, were a likely cause of low fix-success rates and premature battery failures. Researchers wanting to employ lightweight GPS collars must be aware of current limitations and should carefully consider prospects of low fix rates and limited battery lives before deciding whether these units are capable of meeting study objectives.     

Assessment of the release of rehabilitated vervet monkeys into the Ntendeka Wilderness Area, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a case study

In South Africa, vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) are frequently persecuted, resulting in large numbers of injured and/or orphaned animals. Rehabilitation centres aim to care for these monkeys and ultimately return them to the wild whenever possible. However, it is unknown whether rehabilitation is successful in its goal of creating wild-living, independent, self-sustaining troops due to limited published research in this area. This study describes the release and subsequent fate of a troop of rehabilitated vervet monkeys over a 6-month period. A troop of 16 monkeys was released into the Ntendeka Wilderness Area, a protected part of Ngome Forest, by the WATCH (Wild Animal Trauma Centre and Haven) rehabilitation centre in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Monitoring data were evaluated with regard to survival, mortality, suitability of the release site, breeding, condition, troop composition, behaviour, group dynamics, ranging patterns and the effectiveness of monitoring tools. The release was considered to be a partial success in that the troop exhibited behaviour, group dynamics and ranging patterns similar to wild conspecifics. However, the survival rate was low and the troop was judged to be non-self-sustaining. The main problems identified were the limited lifetimes of radio collars, which resulted in missing animals and caused monitoring to be cut short, illegal hunting activities, predation and a small troop size with few adults. The authors recommend improvements that may increase success, such as retaining troops in release enclosures for longer periods, releasing a larger troop with more adults that more closely matches wild troop composition, selecting a release site at least 3 km from the nearest human settlement and the use of GPS collars to allow for a longer monitoring period encompassing all seasonal conditions. Furthermore, all primates for release should be medically screened so as to avoid potential negative impacts on wild populations.     

Arrestment response of the predatory mite Amblyseius longispinosus to Schizotetranychus nanjingensis webnests on bamboo leaves (Acari: Phytoseiidae, Tetranychidae)

The response of the predatory mite Amblyseius longispinosus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to the webnest of the spider mite nanjingensis (Acari: Tetranychidae) was examined using two-choice tests in the laboratory. A. longispinosus females were found significantly more often on leaves with webnests than on leaves without webnests and were often observed searching under the webbing. Because spider mites and their eggs were removed from the webnests before experiments, predators responded to stimuli associated with webbing, mite feeding damage and other residues in the webnests.     

Behaviour of Anopheles albimanus in relation to pyrethroid-treated bednets

Abstract. Responses of the malaria vector Anopheles albimanus to pyrethroid impregnated bednets made of cotton or nylon, compared with untreated nets, were investigated in houses occupied by two people inside and/or outside two bednets, in coastal Chiapas, México. The pyrethroid used was lambdacyhalothrin 30mga.i./m². Bioassay mortality rates of An.albimanus exposed to treated nets for 3 or 15min, rose from 40–55% to 90–100% for nylon nets 3–19 weeks post-treatment, but were consistently lower for treated cotton nets. An.albimanus females (collected unfed on human bait) were released in houses surrounded by curtains for trapping mosquitoes that exited from the house. Floor sheets were used in and around each experimental house for retrieving any mosquitoes knocked-down and/or killed. During post-treatment assessment for 17 weeks, An.albimanus blood-feeding success rates were 23–24% with untreated nets, 14–18% with treated cotton nets and 8–15% with treated nylon nets, significantly reduced when both human baits were inside the treated bednets, but not when one or more baits were outside the treated bednet(s) within the house. Proportions of mosquitoes leaving houses <3 h post-release were 53–59% from houses with untreated bednets versus 65–78% with treated bednets. Except in one case (when both humans were outside treated cotton nets), these increased early exit rates were significant, whether or not the human baits were inside the treated bednets indoors. Mortality rates of An.albimanus females exiting overnight (22.00–06.00 hours) averaged 15–39% from houses with treated cotton and 16–46% with treated nylon nets, very significantly greater than the control mean rates of 6–8% mortality with untreated nets. Observations on wild-caught An. albimanus females marked with fluorescent powder and released indoors revealed that few mosquitoes (3–11 %) actually contacted the bednets unless both human baits remained under them - when contact rates were 22% on treated nylon, 23% on treated cotton and 42% on untreated nets (P= 0.05). The mean resting time was significantly longer on untreated (14.4min) than on treated nylon (5.8min) or cotton (9.5 min) bednets, whereas mean resting times on other surfaces indoors were 16.5–19.8min. Proportions exiting within 2h of release were significantly more from houses with treated houses (33–35%) than with untreated nets (8%). However, mortality rates of mosquitoes that landed on treated nets were very significantly greater (90–100%) than after landing on untreated nets (10%). Thus, despite some excito-repellency, lambdacyhalothrin-impregnated bednets (especially made of nylon) proved to be effective as an alternative to house-spraying against An.albimanus.     

Behaviors in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) associated with activity counts measured by accelerometer

There are large individual differences in the daily pattern and level of physical activity in humans and other species. As it is becoming apparent that activity plays an integral role in a number of physiological processes including arousal, attention, cardiovascular health and body weight regulation, there is an increased interest in quantifying activity. Nonhuman primates are particularly useful experimental models for such studies in that they exhibit a repertoire of activity more similar to humans than the activity of animals such as rodents and domestic animals. Recent studies measuring activity in nonhuman primates have used omnidirectional accelerometers, often worn on collars; however, the exact behaviors and movements detected by monkeys wearing these devices have not yet been characterized. To test the hypothesis that collar-worn accelerometers primarily detect movements that involve movement of the whole body, 16 adult female rhesus monkeys, housed individually in stainless steel cages, wore loose-fitting collars with an attached small metal box housing an activity monitor (Actical omnidirectional accelerometer; MiniMitter Inc., Bend, OR) and behavior was videotaped. Videotaped behaviors were analyzed by frame-by-frame analysis. There was a significant correlation between total (all) movement revealed by videotape analysis and activity counts detected by the accelerometers (r(s)=0.612, P=0.012), primarily reflecting a strong correlation between whole body movement and activity counts (r(s)=0.647, P=0.007). In contrast, arm movement (r(s)=-0.221, P=0.412) and head/neck movement (r(s)=0.193, P=0.474) were not correlated with activity counts. These findings support the hypothesis that activity monitor placement on a collar allows for effective quantification of whole body movement in monkeys, and indicate that behaviors such as chewing and arm movement do not significantly influence activity recorded by collar-mounted accelerometers.     

Behavioral responses to prey density by three acarine predator species with different degrees of polyphagy

Behavioral responses by three acarine predators, Phytoseiulus persimilis, Typhlodromus occidentalis, and Amblyseius andersoni (Acari: Phytoseiidae), to different egg and webbing densities of the spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) on rose leaflets were studied in the laboratory. Prey patches were delineated by T. urticae webbing and associated kairomones, which elicit turning back responses in predators near the patch edge. Only the presence of webbing affected predator behavior; increased webbing density did not increase patch time. Patch time increased with increased T. urticae egg density in the oligophagous P. persimilis, but was density independent in the polyphagous species T. occidentalis and A. andersoni. Patch time in all three species was more strongly correlated with the number of prey encounters and attacks than with the actual prey number present in the patch. Patch time was determined by (a) the turning back response near the patch edge; this response decayed through time and eventually led to the abandonment of the patch, and (b) encounters with, and attacks upon, prey eggs; these prolonged patch time by both an increment of time spent in handling or rejecting prey and an increment of time spent searching between two successive prey encounters or attacks. Although searching efficiency was independent of prey density in all three species, the predation rate by P. persimilis decreased with prey density because its searching activity (i.e. proportion of total patch time spent in searching) decreased with prey density. Predation rates by T. occidentalis and A. andersoni decreased with prey density because their searching activity and success ratio both decreased with prey density. The data were tested against models of predator foraging responses to prey density. The effects of the degree of polyphagy on predator foraging behavior were also discussed.     

Fix Success and Accuracy of Global Positioning System Collars in Old-Growth Temperate Coniferous Forests

Abstract: Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry is used extensively to study animal distribution and resource selection patterns but is susceptible to biases resulting from data omission and spatial inaccuracies. These data errors may cause misinterpretation of wildlife habitat selection or spatial use patterns. We used both stationary test collars and collared free-ranging American black bears (Ursus americanus) to quantify systemic data loss and location error of GPS telemetry in mountainous, old-growth temperate forests of Olympic National Park, Washington, USA. We developed predictive models of environmental factors that influence the probability of obtaining GPS locations and evaluated the ability of weighting factors derived from these models to mitigate data omission biases from collared bears. We also examined the effects of microhabitat on collar fix success rate and examined collar accuracy as related to elevation changes between successive fixes. The probability of collars successfully obtaining location fixes was positively associated with elevation and unobstructed satellite view and was negatively affected by the interaction of overstory canopy and satellite view. Test collars were 33% more successful at acquiring fixes than those on bears. Fix success rates of collared bears varied seasonally and diurnally. Application of weighting factors to individual collared bear fixes recouped only 6% of lost data and failed to reduce seasonal or diurnal variation in fix success, suggesting that variables not included in our model contributed to data loss. Test collars placed to mimic bear bedding sites received 16% fewer fixes than randomly placed collars, indicating that microhabitat selection may contribute to data loss for wildlife equipped with GPS collars. Horizontal collar errors of >800 m occurred when elevation changes between successive fixes were >400 m. We conclude that significant limitations remain in accounting for data loss and error inherent in using GPS telemetry in coniferous forest ecosystems and that, at present, resource selection patterns of large mammals derived from GPS telemetry should be interpreted cautiously.     

Space–time clusters for early detection of grizzly bear predation

Accurate detection and classification of predation events is important to determine predation and consumption rates by predators. However, obtaining this information for large predators is constrained by the speed at which carcasses disappear and the cost of field data collection. To accurately detect predation events, researchers have used GPS collar technology combined with targeted site visits. However, kill sites are often investigated well after the predation event due to limited data retrieval options on GPS collars (VHF or UHF downloading) and to ensure crew safety when working with large predators. This can lead to missing information from small‐prey (including young ungulates) kill sites due to scavenging and general site deterioration (e.g., vegetation growth). We used a space–time permutation scan statistic (STPSS) clustering method (SaTScan) to detect predation events of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) fitted with satellite transmitting GPS collars. We used generalized linear mixed models to verify predation events and the size of carcasses using spatiotemporal characteristics as predictors. STPSS uses a probability model to compare expected cluster size (space and time) with the observed size. We applied this method retrospectively to data from 2006 to 2007 to compare our method to random GPS site selection. In 2013–2014, we applied our detection method to visit sites one week after their occupation. Both datasets were collected in the same study area. Our approach detected 23 of 27 predation sites verified by visiting 464 random grizzly bear locations in 2006–2007, 187 of which were within space–time clusters and 277 outside. Predation site detection increased by 2.75 times (54 predation events of 335 visited clusters) using 2013–2014 data. Our GLMMs showed that cluster size and duration predicted predation events and carcass size with high sensitivity (0.72 and 0.94, respectively). Coupling GPS satellite technology with clusters using a program based on space–time probability models allows for prompt visits to predation sites. This enables accurate identification of the carcass size and increases fieldwork efficiency in predation studies.     

Effects of Global Positioning System Collar Weight on Zebra Behavior and Location Error

ABSTRACT Global Positioning System (GPS) collars are increasingly being used to study fine-scale patterns of animal behavior. Previous studies on GPS collars have tried to determine the causes of location error without attempting to investigate whether the accuracy of fixes provides a correspondingly accurate measure of the animal's natural behavior. When comparing 2 types of GPS collar, we found a significant effect of collar weight and fit on the rate of travel of plains zebra (Equus burchelli antiquorum) females in the Makgadikgadi, Botswana. Although both types of collar were well within accepted norms of collar weight, the slightly heavier collars (0.6% of total body mass [TBM]) reduced rate of travel by >50% when foraging compared with the collar that was 0.4% of TBM. Collar effect was activity specific, particularly interfering with grazing behavior; the effect was less noticeable when zebras crossed larger interpatch distances. We highlight that small differences in collar weight or fit can affect specific behaviors, limiting the extrapolation of fine-scaled GPS data. This has important implications for wildlife biologists, who hitherto have assumed that collars within accepted weight limits have little or no effect on animal movement parameters.     

Foraging on buds and bark of mulberry trees by Japanese monkeys and their range utilization

The Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata) winter range utilization and the effects of foraging on mulberry trees (Morus bombycis) were studied in the Shimokita Peninsula during four winter seasons. The monkeys ate mainly winter dormancy buds when they visited the mulberry tree clumps for the first time within the winter, but they ate mainly bark when they visited for the second or third times. In the areas utilized by the monkeys over the recent three years, the mulberry trees compensated for the decrease in their number of shoots by producing longer shoots with more buds against the monkey foraging. In the areas used every year for more than four years, however, the mulberry trees were unable to compensate for the foraging pressure. Thus, although the monkeys had apparently operated prudent herbivory within three years, they did not do so on a longer time-scale. They shifted their utilization ranges after having over-exploited the mulberry trees.     

Immobilization with a single dose of ketamine hydrochloride and a combination of xylazine hydrochloride-ketamine hydrochloride and antagonism by yohimbine hydrochloride in the Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata)

Forty-nine free-ranging Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata) were immobilized with 4.3–15.6 mg/kg (mean±S.D.=10.0±2.5 mg/kg) of ketamine hydrochloride (HCl), and 27 Japanese monkeys kept in enclosures were immobilized with a combination of 0.8–1.4 mg/kg (1.0±0.2 mg/kg) of xylazine HCl and 4.0–7.1 mg/kg (5.0±0.6 mg/kg) of ketamine HCl. In the xylazine HCl-ketamine HCl combination, good myorelaxation was induced. The mean induction times for the single dosage of ketamine HCl and the xylazine HCl-ketamine HCl combination were 2.8±1.5 min and 6.9±4.4 min, respectively. The mean immobilization times with the single dosage of ketamine HCl and the xylazine HCl-ketamine HCl combination were 39.3±16.5 min and 58.8±34.2 min, respectively. A half dose of ketamine HCl in combination with xylazine HCl could also immobilize Japanese monkeys successfully. Administrations of 0.5 mg/kg i.v. and 1.0 mg/kg i.m. of yohimbine HCl as an antagonist to xylazine HCl at 30 min after the induction reduced the immobilization time to 31.4±0.5 min and 49.0±22.1 min, respectively. Yohimbine HCl appears to be an effective antagonist to combination anesthesia by xylazine HCl-ketamine HCl in the Japanese monkey.     

Assessment of Elk Highway Permeability by Using Global Positioning System Telemetry

Abstract: Highways have significant direct and indirect impact on natural ecosystems, including wildlife barrier and fragmentation effects, resulting in diminished habitat connectivity and highway permeability. We used Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry to assess Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) permeability across a 30-km stretch of highway in central Arizona, USA, currently being reconstructed with 11 wildlife underpasses, 6 bridges, and associated ungulate-proof fencing. The highway was reconstructed in phases, allowing for comparison of highway crossing and passage rates during various stages of reconstruction. We instrumented 33 elk (25 F, 8 M) with GPS receiver collars May 2002 to April 2004. Our collars accrued 101,506 GPS fixes with 45% occurring within 1 km of the highway. Nearly 2 times the proportion of fixes occurred within 1 km of the highway compared with random. We think elk were attracted to the highway corridor by riparian—meadow foraging habitats that were 7 times more concentrated within the 1-km zone around the highway compared with the mean proportion within elk use areas encompassing all GPS fixes. Elk crossed the highway 3,057 times; crossing frequency and distribution along the highway were aggregated compared with random. Crossing frequency within 0.16-km highway segments was negatively associated with the distance to riparian—meadow habitats (r_s = -0.714, n = 190, P < 0.001). Mean observed crossing frequency (92.6 ± 23.5 [SE] crossings/elk) was lower than random (149.6 ± 27.6 crossings/elk). Females crossed 4.5 times as frequently as males. Highway permeability among reconstruction classes was assessed using passage rates (ratio of highway crossings to approaches); our overall mean passage rate was 0.67 ± 0.08 crossings per approach. The mean passage rate for elk crossing the highway section where reconstruction was completed (0.43 ± 0.15 crossings/approach) was half that of sections under reconstruction and control sections combined (0.86 ± 0.09 crossings/approach). Permeability was jointly influenced by the size of the widened highway and associated vehicular traffic on all lanes. Crossing frequency was used to delineate where ungulate-proof fencing yielded maximum benefit in intercepting and funneling crossing elk toward underpasses, promoting highway safety. Use of passage rates provides a quantitative measure to assess permeability, conduct future pre- and postconstruction comparisons, and to develop mitigation strategies to minimize highway impacts to wildlife.     

Numbered neck collars for long‐distance identification of parakeets

ABSTRACT Most parakeets, parrots, and cockatoos are difficult to mark because of their strong beaks and ability to manipulate items with their feet. We developed a marking method that consists of a numbered tag hung on a neck collar. We used this method to successfully monitor Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) and Ring‐necked Parakeets (Psittacula krameri) in Barcelona, Spain, from 2003 to 2009. We marked 881 Monk Parakeets and 88 Ring‐necked Parakeets with collars. Fifteen tags placed on adult Monk Parakeets in 2003 (N= 57) lasted until 2008 and nine until 2009. Three of 12 Ring‐necked Parakeets marked in 2003 were resighted in 2008. We estimated that 4.5% of Monk Parakeets and 5.8% of Ring‐necked Parakeets lost their tags, with median intervals between attachment and tag loss of 347 and 370 d, respectively. Behavioral observations revealed no differences in the time budgets of marked and unmarked Monk Parakeets. In addition, the mass of marked Monk Parakeets did not change between successive recaptures. These results suggest that neck collars had no adverse effects on the birds. Neck collars may also be a suitable marking method for other psittacines, with stronger, more durable components likely needed for larger species.     

Capturing and marking howler monkeys for field behavioral studies

Methods for capturing and marking howler monkeys for ecological studies are discussed. Systems for capturing and handling animals are compared. A dart with liquid Sernylan for capture and Sernylan or Ketamine as a holding drug was preferred to darts using powdered succinylcholine chloride (SCC) and ether. The effectiveness of both Sernylan and SCC is compared and dosages are given for Sernylan in howler monkeys and SCC for howlers and capuchins. The advantages of Ketamine over ether as a holding drug are discussed. Animals can be marked with leg-bands, collars, and freeze-branding.     

Feeding ecology of the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus)

Proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) feeding behavior and ecology were studied at the Natai Lengkuas Station, Tanjung Puting National Park, Kalimantan Tengah, Indonesia. Data on feeding behavior were collected using scan sampling during group follows. Three vegetational plots containing 1,732 trees were established and monitored monthly for changes in fruit, flower, and young leaf production. Basal area and canopy cover were calculated and used in estimating food abundance. Proboscis monkeys were found to be folivore/frugivores, specializing in seed consumption. At least 55 different plant species were used as food sources, with a marked preference for Eugenia sp. 3/4,Ganua motleyana and Lophopetalum javanicum. These tree species were among the most frequent and most dominant. However, proboscis monkeys were selective feeders; use of tree species as food sources was not based simply on relative density. During times of low food abundance and/or availability proboscis monkeys switched dietary strategies and increased dietary diversity. The average total home range was estimated to be 130.3 ha, with an average group density of 5.2 groups per km². The average biomass per km² was estimated to be 499.5 kg. Given their high biomass and predilection for consuming seeds of dominant species, proboscis monkeys may help to maintain and increase vegetational diversity.     

Deltamethrin-impregnated dog collars have a potent anti-feeding and insecticidal effect on Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lutzomyia migonei

Deltamethrin-impregnated PVC dog collars were tested to assess if they were effective in protecting dogs from sand fly bites of Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lu. migonei. A protective effect against Old World species Phlebotomus perniciosus was demonstrated before. Four dogs wearing deltamethrin collars and three dogs wearing untreated collars (not impregnated with deltamethrin) were kept in separate kennels for over eight months in a village on the outskirts of Fortaleza in Ceará, Brazil. Periodically, a dog from each group was sedated, placed in a net cage for 2 h in which 150 female sand flies had been released 10-15 min before. Lu. longipalpis were used 4, 8, 12, 16, 22, 27, and 35 weeks after the attachment of the collars. Lu. migonei were used 3, 7, 11, 15, 22, 26, and 36 weeks after attachment. During 35 weeks, only 4.1% (81 of 2,022) Lu. longipalpis recovered from the nets with the deltamethrin collared dogs were engorged, an anti-feeding effect of 96%. Mortality initially was over 90% and at 35 weeks was 35% with half of the sand flies dying in the first 2 h. In contrast, 83% of the 2,094 Lu. longipalpis recovered from the nets containing the untreated collared dogs were engorged and the mortality ranged from zero to 18.8% on one occasion with 1.1% dying in the first 2 h. Similar findings were found with Lu. migonei: of 2,034 sand flies recovered over this period, only 70 were engorged, an anti-feeding effect of 96.5%, and mortality ranged from 91% initially to 46% at 36 weeks. In contrast, engorgement of controls ranged from 91 to71% and a mortality ranged from 3.5 to 29.8%. These studies show that deltamethrin impregnated collars can protect dogs against Brazilian sand flies for up to eight months. Thus, they should be useful in a program to control human and canine visceral leishmaniasis.