Monday, March 22, 2010

Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part 3

CONTINUING EDUCATION


Special Topic: Intern Dana- Chapter Summary


Ryland’s Marmosets and Tamarins
Systematics, Behavior and Ecology


Chapter 1 Summary

Ryland begins by discussing the taxonomy and classification of marmosets and tamarins, which is still under considerable debate. Most of the controversy surrounds the marmosets (genus Callithrix.) There are multiple ways that taxonomists have classified the callitrichids, especially at the species/subspecies level.
The callitrichid geographic distributions are still poorly understood, and there isn’t much detailed information on the conservation status of many of the marmosets and tamarins. The most information available relates to the most critically endangered species.

Ryland goes on to discuss each species separately in chapter one, and describes their geographic distributions as well as their current status in the wild. Species living at PPS include:

Callithrix jaccus - Common or white tufted eared marmoset. Endemic to Brazil. Widespread and common in many localities, and even replacing other Callithrix species when it has been introduced. However, populations are declining due to habitat destruction.
Callithrix penicillata - Black-tufted-ear marmoset. Endemic to Brazil. Very wide distribution, but still faces habitat destruction. C.penicillata is taking hold and probably replacing other species in numerous locations.
Callithrix kuhli - Weid’s marmoset. Endemic to the Atlantic coastal forest of Brazil. Very abundant and adaptable, but threatened by widespread forest destruction.
Saguinus fuscicollis - Saddleback tamarin - Endemic to Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. Regarded as common in Peru and parts of Brazil.
Saguinus oedipus - Cotton-top tamarin. Endemic to northwestern Colombia. 75% of the original distribution of S.oedipus has been cleared for agriculture and pasture. On the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals - Endangered.

Chapter 2 Summary

There are many proposed taxonomic schemes for how to classify Callitrichids. Charles Snowden argues that vocalizations may be a useful tool for figuring out some of these phylogenetic relationships. Studies have shown that you can differentiate a species depending on subtle aspects of their long calls. Snowden and others used a spectogram to analyze the frequencies and durations of vocalizations.

Long calls have many purposes, like defending a group against intruders of the same species, maintaining cohesion of the group, making contact to an animal separated from the group, or possibly to attract a mate. The calls might also have to do with the monkey’s location in the forest. In the Amazon, there is a great deal of competing noise from insects, birds, and other sounds, so a higher frequency range for vocal communication may be beneficial. Therefore, callitrichid long calls appear to be an adaptation to environmental noise.

References:

Rylands, A. B. Marmosets and Tamarins. Systematics, Behaviour, and Ecology. Oxford, U.K.: Oxford University Press, 1993.

Special Topic-Erin: Species Spotlight


White-Throated Capuchin Cebus capucinus

Capuchin Monkeys get their name from their unique coloration, and its resemblance to Capuchin Monks. Capuchins have a black cap on the top of their head, which resembles the “capuche” or cowl worn by Franciscan Capuchin Monks. White-Throated Capuchins also have white faces, throats and shoulders, with the rest of their bodies being black. They have opposable thumbs on both hands and feet, and a prehensile tail. They are sexually dimorphic (males look different from females), with the males having a receding hairline, larger canine teeth, and a slightly larger body size.

White-Throated Capuchins are found in a large portion of Central America, and in a small part or South America. They are they only species of Capuchins that are found in Central America. These monkeys can be found in a wide variety of forests, including evergreen (trees that keep their foliage year round), deciduous (trees that lose their foliage for part of the year), mangrove (trees grow in saline coastal areas) and montane forests (forests above 1,200 ft elevation).

Capuchins live in troops of up to 39 monkeys, with more females than males in each group. There is one Alpha Male (dominant) in each group, and the males defend the territory, the larger body size and tooth size of the males helps them to provide better protection. They are diurnal (active during the day) and arboreal (they live in the trees). When the males mature, they leave to find a group of their own, but occasionally remain solitary for a while before finding another group. Females usually spend their entire life with the troop they were born into. White-Throated Capuchins are found in the same area as Black-Handed Spider Monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi geoffroyi), and are known to associate with this species in the wild. They have been known to travel with, and even groom each other!

Capuchins are considered by many to be the most intelligent of the New World Monkeys. Two great examples of Capuchin intelligence are tool use and fur rubbing. Capuchins have been observed using rocks as a “stone and anvil” to crack open nuts, and have used sticks to defend themselves against snakes. Capuchins use plants with antibacterial and insect-repelling properties. They pound and bite the fruits to extract the oils, and then rub them all over their bodies. Here at Pacific Primate Sanctuary, we have 4 White-Throated Capuchins, and we have seen them engage in fur rubbing on many occasions.

References:

Causado, J., Cuarón, A.D., Shedden, A., Rodríguez-Luna, E. & de Grammont, P.C. 2008. Cebus capucinus. In: IUCN 2009. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. . Downloaded on 25 February 2010

Long, J. and K. Francl. 2009. "Cebus capucinus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed February 25, 2010 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cebus_capucinus.html.

Rowe, Noel. 1996. The pictorial guide to the living primates / Noel Rowe; foreword by Jane Goodall ; introduction by Russell A. Mittermeier Pogonias Press, East Hampton, N.Y.

White-headed Capuchin. (2010, February 14). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 08:07, February 25, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=White-headed_Capuchin&oldid=344026624



We hope you have enjoyed this issue of Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s E-Newsletter. Thank you for your support of our life saving work. Because of compassionate people, the Sanctuary can continue to provide a place of peace and happiness for 70 primates saved from research laboratories, animal dealers, and smugglers. Here they can heal, form families, and live free from exploitation.

“Nature does nothing uselessly.” –Aristotle 



This Blog and its content is copyright of Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc.—
© Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc., 2009. All rights reserved.
Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than the following:
you may print or download to a local hard disk extracts for your personal and non-commercial use only
you may copy the content to individual third parties for their personal use, but only if you acknowledge the website as the source of the material
You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content. Nor may you transmit it or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system.


Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 2, Issue 3, Part 2

WHAT’S HAPPENING at PPS?

PPS Extension

There are currently 20 monkeys living in indoor portables who need to get out into the green world. The Pacific Primate Sanctuary Board has approved the building of a new extension, and financing this vital project has become a priority. The Sanctuary is in urgent need of funds to help fund this project that is already underway.

The area for the new extension has been cleared, and the foundation is built up. The cement trucks came up, poured the foundation. Corners, Ltd. has begun the process of fabricating the pieces for the new extension!

Please join with us in this life saving work. With your help, we can build this new
addition with outdoor enclosures for the monkeys now living indoors.


The Cement Foundation for the New Extension Being Poured

Please send your tax-deductible donations to:


Pacific Primate Sanctuary
500-A Haloa Road
Haiku, HI 96708

Or donate on our website, www.pacificprimate.org using PayPal.

Pacific Primate Sanctuary on the Web!

Our “web-master” Volunteer Lisa has been updating our website, and added a new video gallery as well more newspaper/magazine articles. She has also revamped our Volunteer application to make it easier to fill out and email, and is in the process of updating the photo gallery.
Please check out the website to view all these exciting changes!

Erin has created and added a new (warm-fuzzy) video to YouTube this month! The video, depicting Thanksgiving at PPS (with beautiful music by Steven!), can be viewed at the following sites:
YouTube
Facebook

A Hui Ho Intern Alli

Intern Alli has completed her one-year internship, and moved back to the Mainland. We will miss her positive demeanor, thirst for knowledge, compassion, ever-present bright smile, and true loving kindness. Alli writes: “This has been such a special and unique experience and I can’t say thank you enough to the people who made it possible for me to be a part of this effort. I’ll keep the Sanctuary ‘Ohana, and monkeys in my thoughts and heart.”

PPS PEOPLE in the SPOTLIGHT

Meet Operations Officer Erin
Erin first came to Pacific Primate Sanctuary in September 2007, as a resident Intern. Six months into the internship, Erin had the unique opportunity to hand rear Viola, a rejected Capuchin infant, along with fellow intern Tez. Having spent a year working in a Vet Clinic prior to arriving at PPS, Erin was very familiar with medical terminology and procedures. This knowledge proved to be helpful as Erin created an Emergency Care Training Flip Chart and Manual. Towards the end of her internship, Erin was asked to stay on as Chief Operations Officer, which would be a new position at the Sanctuary! As Operations Officer, Erin works in the office with Lucy doing everything it takes to raise funds, develop our online monthly Primate Update, and post videos, and pictures to our online sites. She also helps oversee the selection of new volunteers and interns, consults with our Board, solicits input from our senior staff, and attends to the multitude of details necessary to run PPS.

Erin oversees the general care of the monkeys, providing advice to the interns, and working with our outstanding veterinarians to provide the best possible care for the monkeys. She makes sure the interns have everything they need to care for the animals. Recently, Erin was voted in as a member of the Pacific Primate Sanctuary Board. Her contribution in creating our FaceBook page and Blog is bringing the Sanctuary closer to many new people who are now become “Fans” and “Followers” of PPS. Erin is an invaluable member of the Sanctuary Family!


SPECIAL THANKS

Thank you to our new webmaster-volunteer, Lisa for all your help with the website this month. Thank you Steven, Linda, Dr. Bud, Jennifer, Robin, Dana, Alli, Pete, Jonathan, Torsten, Morgan S., Dr. Delaney and Dr. Dressler, Lucy, and Erin, our right hand woman, for your support which makes all things possible.

This Blog and its content is copyright of Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc.—
© Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc., 2009. All rights reserved.
Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than the following:
you may print or download to a local hard disk extracts for your personal and non-commercial use only
you may copy the content to individual third parties for their personal use, but only if you acknowledge the website as the source of the material
You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content. Nor may you transmit it or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system.

Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 2, Issue 3, Part 1


We hope that you enjoy this issue of Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s E-Newsletter.



PPS PRIMATES in the SPOTLIGHT

Viola was born on March 10, 2008 and, unfortunately, was rejected by her parents. She was found the next morning, lying on the ground, cold and barely breathing. She hardly had the energy to cry. Had Sanctuary interns, Erin and Tez, not responded in the pre-dawn hours, Viola would not have survived. Her life was hanging by a thread. We contacted other facilities to get advice on hand-rearing Capuchin infants, and were told by many that it was nearly impossible. However, we weren’t going to give up on this little life so easily.
Viola, Day One

The first few weeks were a critical period for baby Viola. Sanctuary interns worked around the clock to care for her, waking several times each night to provide food and comfort. In her role as primary caregiver, Intern Erin found that opening her heart fully to this amazing being was vital to the infant’s survival.



Viola grew rapidly during her first several months. She became more alert, and examined her surroundings. Soon she was climbing, exploring her environment, and eating solid food. The Interns began to wean Viola off of bottle-feeding. She was brought up near the other Capuchins regularly, to become familiar and learn normal behaviors and communication. These were both important steps in bringing Viola closer to independence.

Viola at 5 months old



Finally, after five months of constant care, it was time for the baby to return to her own kind. We planned to introduce Viola to Miranda, her Grandmother, in the hopes that she would be accepted and cared for in the best possible way- by another Capuchin Monkey.

Eventually, Viola was released into the large enclosure with Miranda. It was a beautiful sight; Miranda was so protective and caring. In a short time, the adventurous youngster was running and playing in her new environment. She bonded with Miranda. We were excited to see this human reared monkey climb onto her Grandmother’s back, and hang on as Miranda carried her from branch to branch.
Viola carried by her Grandmother Miranda

Viola turned 2 on March 10, 2010, and we celebrated by giving the Capuchins banana cake, and special “presents” filled with peanut butter, banana, and raisins. All four Capuchins were very excited with this extra special treat. Viola has now been living with Miranda for a year and a half, and continues to be an adventurous young monkey. She spends hours jumping around in the greenery and swinging from branches and ropes. She and Miranda have formed a close bond, and enjoy grooming each other and playing together.

Viola's Birthday Surprise




Viola has learned much from Miranda about Capuchin behaviors, and she responds to things just the same as the other Capuchin Monkeys. We are so happy to have successfully raised Viola, and even more importantly, we are thrilled that she will live out her life as a monkey, just as she deserves!



Two year old Viola, peering through the trees






NOTABLE NEWS

This has certainly been a busy and exciting month at Pacific Primate Sanctuary! Construction has begun on the new extension, and many of the monkeys have been very inquisitive about the process.


A local tourist attraction approached us about taking Carlos and Montana, two Black-Handed Spider Monkeys who had been living there for the past 16 years. The PPS Board has approved building and providing a permanent home to these brothers. We are very fortunate to have two Volunteers with experience working with Spider Monkeys. Morgan S. spent several years working as zookeeper in Florida, and cared for a colony of Spider Monkeys there. Dana, our newest Intern, volunteered at the Denver Zoo prior to coming to PPS and was able to work with the Spider Monkeys.

We are glad that Morgan S. and Dana can share their experience and knowledge with us at this time. Hooray for synchronicity! Erin spent time working with Carlos and Montana to habituate them with a traveling crate. They were soon comfortable entering the crate, which made the transition smooth and less stressful for the two Spider Monkeys. They were safely transferred to Pacific Primate Sanctuary on Sunday March 7, 2010. The two boys were unsure at first, but seem to have settled in comfortably to their new home. They really seem to enjoy the many branches and ropes in their new enclosure. They have been swinging with great agility from branch to rope back and forth across their new habitat. They have a very close bond, and spend much of their time huddled together, often wrapping their arms around each other. We are very excited to welcome them to Pacific Primate Sanctuary!


Pacey, an ex-pet, has been showing some interest in Vida, a nearby female, this month. Vida has also been spending a lot of time watching Pacey. This is very exciting news, as Pacey has shown very little interest in other monkeys before, and has usually been more engrossed with watching his human caretakers. We will continue to keep Pacey and Vida close together, and hopefully we will be able to pair the two!

Pacey enjoys a hibiscus flower




Allegra and Sebastian were successfully paired this month. Sebastian was living with his twin brother, Leonardo, but began showing a lot of interest in surrounding females. We decided it was time for these brothers to have female companions. Allegra was living alone, and seemed like the perfect candidate. Sure enough, we put these two together and they connected instantly! The two are spending much time grooming each other and enjoy exploring their outdoor green room together. We are working towards pairing Leonardo as well, and have a female outside his enclosure and are watching them for signs of positive interest.

The Capuchins have also been doing very well! Miranda has really enjoyed playing with Viola, even hanging from her tail and play wrestling with her young companion.


MEET MORE MONKEYS

Bruno, an elderly White-Tufted Eared Marmoset is tucked warmly into the blankets in his sleeping house.


Prospero, a Capuchin Monkey, enjoys a quiet nap in the sun



This Blog and its content is copyright of Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc.—© Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc., 2009. All rights reserved.
Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than the following:
you may print or download to a local hard disk extracts for your personal and non-commercial use only
you may copy the content to individual third parties for their personal use, but only if you acknowledge the website as the source of the material
You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content. Nor may you transmit it or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system.