Substrate Size and Primate Forelimb Mechanics: Implications for Understanding the Evolution of Primate Locomotion

International Journal of Primatology - Did the anatomical and locomotor specializations of primates evolve in response to requirements of locomotion and foraging on thin branches? Laboratory...     

Long-term dynamics of wild primate populations across forests with contrasting protection in Tanzania

Anthropogenic activities driving tropical forests' loss imperil global biodiversity and provision of ecosystem services. In this context, systematic monitoring programs evaluating wildlife trends are essential. Non-human primates are relevant conservation targets since they represent vital components of tropical forests by serving as pollinators and seed dispersers. Here, we present primate group counts data collected over 19 years in a primate hotspot in Tanzania. We analyzed data with a hierarchical dynamic model accounting for imperfect detection that estimates local group abundance and temporal rates of change, to assess whether habitat protection explained trends of the arboreal and diurnal Peters' Angola colobus (Colobus angolensis palliatus), Udzungwa red colobus (Piliocolobus gordonorum), and Tanzania Sykes' monkey (Cercopithecus mitis subsp. moloneyi). We targeted populations occurring in two forest blocks with contrasting protection regimes, with one block impacted by targeted poaching of the two Colobus species. We found that these latter species were much less abundant in the more human impacted forest, underwent a rapid decline, and subsequently remained at low abundance and without signs of recovery once this forest was granted greater protection. Instead, Sykes' abundance did not differ between forests, and improved protection was associated with a slight increase in abundance. Age class composition for social groups of both Colobus species differed between forests, indicating altered births and survivorship rates in the impacted forest. Results suggest that targeted hunting can prevent recovery for several years and even after increased habitat protection. Our approach appears valuable to monitor population dynamics over the long term, highlighting species-specific variations in both vulnerability to anthropogenic disturbance and recovery patterns in primate populations.     

Construction of playgrounds for chimpanzees in biomedical research

An outdoor 9,000 sq. ft. playground connected to the indoor-outdoor runs of the breeding facility at Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research was constructed to simulate a near natural environment for chimpanzees in biomedical research. It is divided into three 75 X 40 ft. compounds to allow several groups of animals to utilize the area simultaneously. Environmental enrichment devices have been added to improve physical and psychological well-being.     

Abundance, diversity, and patterns of distribution of primates on the Tapiche River in Amazonian Peru

This work presents data on the relative diversity, abundance, and distribution patterns of primates in a 20 km2 area of the Tapiche River in the Peruvian Amazon. Population data were collected while the study area was both inundated and dry (March to September 1997) using conventional line-transect census techniques. Survey results reflected the presence of 11 primate species, but population parameters on only eight of the species will be presented, including saddleback tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis), Bolivian squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis), brown capuchins (Cebus apella), white-fronted capuchins (Cebus albifrons), monk sakis (Pithecia monachus), red titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus), red uakaris (Cacajao calvus), and red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus). Woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha), night monkeys (Aotus nancymaae), and pygmy marmosets (Callithrix pygmaea) were also seen in the area. The data for the smaller-bodied primates is similar to that reported almost 18 years earlier, but the data for the larger-bodied primates reflect a loss in the number of animals present in the area. Pressure from hunters and the timber industry may account for declining numbers of large-bodied primates, while it appears that natural features peculiar to the conservation area contribute to the patchy pattern of distribution.     

High-throughput single-nucleotide polymorphism discovery and the search for candidate genes for long-term SIVmac nonprogression in Chinese rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

Background Genetic differences between Indian and Chinese rhesus macaques contribute to the phenotypic variance of clinical trials, including infection with SIVmac. The completion of the rhesus genome has facilitated the discovery of several thousand markers. Methods We developed a genome‐wide SNP map for rhesus macaques containing 3869 validated markers with an average distance of 0.88 Mb and used the program VarLD to identify genomic areas with significant differences in linkage disequilibrium (LD) between Indian‐derived and Chinese rhesus macaques. Results Forty‐one statistically significant differences in LD between Chinese and Indian‐origin rhesus were detected on chromosomes 1, 4, 5 and 11. The region of greatest LD difference was located on the proximal end of chromosome one, which also contained the genes ELAVL4, MAST2 and HIVEP3. Conclusion These genomic areas provide entry to more detailed studies of gene function. This method is also applicable to the study of differences in biomarkers between regional populations of other species.     

A computerized system for scoring primate behavior using standard keyboards

A scoring system has been developed for primate behavior which uses standard keyboards and minicomputers or microcomputers. The mnemonic, alphanumeric code used is easily learned, highly flexible, and can be recorded in longhand for later entry into a computer if a keyboard is not immediately available. The software consists of two programs, both of which can be written in BASIC. SCORE is used for data acquisition and appends the test time to each behavioral sequence. DATSUM decodes and summarizes the test data using table-driven logic. The minimum hardware required is a 16K microcomputer, an alphanumeric keyboard, a display, and cassette storage.     

The Fayum primate forest: Did it exist?

The primates have the reputation of being essentially arboreal, forest-adapted animals. Yet there are many genera and species that inhabit an extremely wide array of non-forest habitats. Nevertheless, palaeoprimatologists often tend to depict fossil primate habitats as being more arboreal and more forest-like than is justified by the facts. It is worthwhile, therefore, to reconsider some current interpretations. In this paper, evidence of the Fayum Oligocene primate deposits are reviewed and discussed. The following conclusions emerge:(1) The large number of primate species indicates that the Fayum ecosystem was an optimum or near-optimum habitat for primates. (2) The lithological characteristics point to a sahélien type of climate. (3) The calcified and silicified root systems, having diameters up to 4 cm, suggest a sahélien type of shrub, bushland and/or small-tree vegetation. (4) The large fossilized logs cannot have grown on the spot and apparently represent driftwood from a more humid climatic belt in the south, as is indicated by damage resulting from fluvial transportation and by palaeobotanical data. (5) There may have been some minor patches or strips of medium-height forests and/or wood-lands in the Fayum delta, but there is no evidence of these.Thus the tall forest in which the earliest known African primates are currently supposed to have lived probably never existed. Grounds for this conclusion were presented by Unger 121 years ago, by Beadnell 75 years ago and by Kräusel 41 years ago, but sank into oblivion. The classic image of the primates as arboreal specialists seems to have interfered with seeing the facts. However, more extensive verification of the evidence by means of palaeobotanical research is still required. The fossil material to do so is readily available.     

Spontaneous meningoencephalitis by Staphylococcus aureus in an infant golden‐headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas)

Non‐human primates are susceptible to many bacteria, some of which bear zoonotic potential. We report the pathologic features of spontaneous fulminating meningoencephalitis by Staphylococcus aureus in a captive infant golden‐headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) from Brazil.     

Primate puzzleboard: A simple environmental enrichment device for captive chimpanzees

An environmental enrichment device was designed and evaluated for captive chimpanzees. The puzzleboard consisted of a 61-cm, square piece of clear plastic with holes of various sizes drilled into the center. The puzzleboard was bolted to the roof of a chimpanzee enclosure. Flavored primate treats were arranged on top of the board, and the chimpanzee used a finger to manipulate the food across the board to be retrieved through the larger holes. The behavior and puzzle use of 29 chimpanzees housed in eight groups were evaluated while the device was empty and while filled with food. For each group, four 1-hr scan samples were recorded for each condition. Data showed that an average of 40 min elapsed from the time the puzzleboard was filled to the last recorded contact by a subject. Mean individual use ranged from 4.8 to 23.8 min/hr. Female chimpanzees used the puzzle significantly more often than did males. Aggressive, affiliative, inactive, and self-directed behaviors were significantly reduced when the puzzle was filled. In addition, the puzzleboard was inexpensive, sturdy, and easily constructed, mounted, and operated.     

The cynomolgus monkey as a model for developmental toxicity studies: variability of pregnancy losses,statistical power estimates,and group size considerations

BACKGROUND: This work evaluates pregnancy and infant loss in 1,069 vehicle‐treated cynomolgus monkeys from 78 embryo‐fetal development (EFD) studies and 14 pre‐postnatal development (PPND) studies accrued during 1981–2007. METHODS: Losses were analysed by survival function and hazard ratio using logistic regression for influence of year, study type (e.g., dose duration), and test item route of administration (ig, im, iv, sc). RESULTS: Neither study type nor route of dosing affected pregnancy outcome. Losses were higher pre‐1990 (104 losses/347 pregnancies) compared to 1990 onwards (94 losses/722 pregnancies). Losses were greatest before gestation day 50 and at parturition. Using post‐1989 data, Monte‐Carlo simulations of pregnancy outcomes were created. The power associated with the comparison of vehicle survival curves and simulated adverse survival curves was examined. This showed that EFD studies with initial vehicle group sizes of 16 and 20 have an 80% probability of having 13 and 16 ongoing pregnancies at gestational day 100, respectively. For PPND studies with initial vehicle group sizes of 16, 20, or 28, there is an 80% likelihood of having 9, 11, or 16 infants at day 7 post‐partum, respectively. A PPND study initiated with group size 20 could detect a threefold increase of test item–related pregnancy or infant loss. CONCLUSIONS: For designing and managing primate developmental toxicity studies, this type of analysis provides an objective tool to facilitate decisions either by supplementing groups with additional pregnant animals or stopping a group because an adverse effect on offspring survival has already been adequately revealed. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 89:175–187, 2010.© 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Primate genes for glycophorins carrying MN blood group antigens

Glycophorin A, B, and E genes were derived from a common ancestral gene and this gene family appeared during primate evolution, probably between orangutan and gorilla divergences. Based on the study of genomic structures of these human glycophorins and the genetic and immunological study of primate glycophorins, we hypothesize that chimpanzee and gorilla glycophorin B could possess a longer extracellular region and carry a stronger N blood group antigenicity compared with that of the human.     

Gum feeder as environmental enrichment for zoo marmosets and tamarins

Tamarins and marmosets are small-bodied social callitrichines. Wild callitrichines feed on exudates, such as sap and gum; particularly, marmosets are mainly gummivores, while tamarins consume gums only occasionally and opportunistically. Zoo marmosets and tamarins are usually provided with gum arabic as an alternative to the exudates normally found in the wild. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a gum feeder on the behavior and well-being of four zoo-managed callitrichines. We studied four cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus), four red-handed tamarins (S. midas), two pygmy marmosets (Cebuella pygmaea), and three Geoffroy's marmosets (Callithrix geoffroyi) housed at Parco Natura Viva (Italy). We conducted the study over two different periods, a baseline (control, without the gum feeder) and then a gum feeder (when the gum feeder was provided) period. We used continuous focal animal sampling to collect behavioral data, including durations of social and individual behaviors. We collected 240 min of observations per period per study subject, with a total of 3,120 min for all the subjects in the same period and of 6,240 min in both periods. We analyzed data by using nonparametric statistical tests. First, we found that the gum feeder promoted species-specific behaviors, such as exploration, and diminished self-directed behaviors, suggesting an enriching effect on tamarin and marmoset behavior. Moreover, in red-handed tamarins, the provision of the gum feeder reduced the performance of self-directed and abnormal behavior, specifically coprophagy. These results confirm that gum feeders are effective foraging enrichment tools for zoo marmosets and tamarins.     

Evolution of beta satellite DNA sequences: evidence for duplication-mediated repeat amplification and spreading

In this article, we report studies on the evolutionary history of beta satellite repeats (BSR) in primates. In the orangutan genome, the bulk of BSR sequences was found organized as very short stretches of approximately 100 to 170 bp, embedded in a 60-kb to 80-kb duplicated DNA segment. The estimated copy number of the duplicon that carries BSR sequences ranges from 70 to 100 per orangutan haploid genome. In both macaque and gibbon, the duplicon mapped to a single chromosomal region at the boundary of the rDNA on the marker chromosome (chromosome 13 and 12, respectively). However, only in the gibbon, the duplicon comprised 100 bp of beta satellite. Thus, the ancestral copy of the duplicon appeared in Old World monkeys ( approximately 25 to approximately 35 MYA), whereas the prototype of beta satellite repeats took place in a gibbon ancestor, after apes/Old World monkeys divergence ( approximately 25 MYA). Subsequently, a burst in spreading of the duplicon that carries the beta satellite was observed in the orangutan, after lesser apes divergence from the great apes-humans lineage ( approximately 18 MYA). The analysis of the orangutan genome also indicated the existence of two variants of the duplication that differ for the length (100 or 170 bp) of beta satellite repeats. The latter organization was probably generated by nonhomologous recombination between two 100-bp repeated regions, and it likely led to the duplication of the single Sau3A site present in the 100-bp variant, which generated the prototype of Sau3A 68-bp beta satellite tandem organization. The two variants of the duplication, although with a different ratios, characterize the hominoid genomes from the orangutan to humans, preferentially involving acrocentric chromosomes. At variance to alpha satellite, which appeared before the divergence of New World and Old World monkeys, the beta satellite evolutionary history began in apes ancestor, where we have first documented a low-copy, nonduplicated BSR sequence. The first step of BSR amplification and spreading occurred, most likely, because the BSR was part of a large duplicon, which underwent a burst dispersal in great apes' ancestor after the lesser apes' branching. Then, after orangutan divergence, BSR acquired the clustered structural organization typical of satellite DNA.     

A restraining system for rhesus monkeys used in space research

A new chronic restraining system has been designed specifically for male rhesus monkeys (8–13 kg) housed in weightlessness for scientific purposes. The restraining system consists of a coat (jacket and skirt) and a chair. The system separates the thorax from the lower part of the body, and allows large movements of the upper part of the body. The macaque can feed and groom itself, and can also sleep in close-to-normal position.     

Case study: Scoliosis in a Bonobo (Pan paniscus)

Differential diagnosis of observed morphological features on an adult male bonobo skeleton was consistent with idiopathic scoliosis. Directional asymmetry was an order of magnitude higher compared with asymptomatic skeletons. This possible case of idiopathic scoliosis contributes to data that suggest a weaker tie between bipedalism and scoliosis than previously hypothesized.     

Preliminary observations on squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedi) vocalizations in Costa Rica

This study was an initial attempt to analyze quantitatively vocalizations from the Central American squirrel monkey, Saimiri oerstedi. Vocalizations were recorded in the wild at P. N. Corcovado (S. o. oerstedi). and at P. N. Manuel Antonio (S. o. citrinellus). Additional recordings were made from captive individuals of both subspecies. The acoustic structure of analyzed vocalizations resembled most closely the vocal repertoire of South American Saimiri with the “gothic arch” phenotype, in agreement with the prominent gothic arch facial pattern of S. oerstedi. New structural subtypes of the twitter (“dog-tooth twitter”) and the chuck (“bent-mast chuck”) not previously found in an extensive library of South American Saimiri sound spectrograms were documented. Calls used by older infants when socially separated and when approaching an adult male were essentially identical (sharing typical “isolation peep” structural features) but had significantly different duration and peak frequency. Analysis of recordings from an escaped captive female calling outside her compound over a 3-day period indicated the presence of numerous structural intermediates between typical chuck, twitter, and peep calls.