Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 4, Issue 5, Part 3

CONTINUING EDUCATION 

Special Topic: Intern Mary 
Immaturity in spider monkeys: a risky business

From birth until departure from the subgroup a spider monkey is considered immature. This immature phase is the period of time in which a spider monkey learns how to be an adult and survive without the help of other monkeys. This is also considered to be the most vulnerable time in a spider monkey’s life as he or she is still fairly small in size and learning how to behave like a spider monkey. They learn how to avoid predators, how to interact with group members of the same and opposite sex, and how to forage for food.

 The smaller size of immature spider monkeys makes them extremely vulnerable to predators. Immature spider monkeys, at an age where they are no longer always protected by their mothers, have to learn how to protect themselves and to get the attention of other group members to help them. “Immatures” are often heard alarm calling when no danger is present and even using the wrong call in the presence of predators. If they have separated themselves far enough from their group this is likely to lead to injury, and in some cases can lead to death. Immature monkeys that have traveled too far away not only make themselves easy targets for predators but they also become the targets of aggressive group members. Aggressive group members are more likely to injure immature spider monkeys than they are to kill them, however, an injury can very easily become the main cause of death.

Carlos and Montana Embrace

 During this time of immaturity it is not uncommon for non-mother adult monkeys to occasionally protect and help an immature monkey. Many researchers believe protection from group members other than parents is due to the mentality that the now young “immature” may eventually become the leader of the group or a possible future mate. This mentality also helps older “immatures” emigrate into a new subgroup and become an adult.

Spider monkeys Carlos and Montana were already full grown adults when they arrived at Pacific Primate Sanctuary. Even though they were both born in captivity it is likely they went through a similar immature phase as wild spider monkeys go through. Their day-to-day behaviors suggest they have developed the skills needed to survive within their captive habitat. They often embrace and groom each other, behaviors regularly seen in wild adult male spider monkeys, and they can often be heard making the same calls as those heard in the wild. If they had not adjusted well to their environment at PPS, it is more than likely they would not get along as well with each other as they do. It is also more than likely that they would not be able to properly demonstrate the majority of behaviors shown by wild spider monkeys as they currently do.

 -Campbell, Christina J. Spider Monkeys: Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution of the Genus Ateles (Cambridge Studies in Biological and Evolutionary Anthropology). UK. Cambridge University Press. 2008.

Special Topic: Intern Annabel
A Study on Aging in Marmosets-Dietary Changes 

As marmosets and tamarins age it is important to adapt their diets to meet their needs. Tooth loss is common in aging primate as in humans, so soft food is given, all nuts are cracked and treats are made more accessible. Supplements may be added to the diet to aid the process of aging. Vitamins B and E are given daily in their food. Apocaps is another supplement that can be used to help with the aging process in elderly primates. Apocaps produces apoptosis (the process of programmed cell death) that helps to kill off old unhealthy cells allowing room for the healthy cells to flourish. The use of Apocaps, developed by Functional Nutriments, can result in the increase in life quality, vitality, activity, and vigor.

Although he was quite robust 

as a younger monkey, 

Abraham began to lose weight 

as he aged.  He now receives a special diet 

to keep him at a healthy weight

As primates age and their bodies start to change they can start to develop certain intolerances and allergies to different types of food. Indicators of food allergies are lots of loose stool after a certain type of food is given. We keep daily records at PPS of all the food that was given, and any monkeys that had loose stool throughout the day. From this we can get a possible idea if monkeys are starting to develop intolerance from any type of food. Once we have located a food irritant we can eradicate it from the diet and offer those monkeys a better alternative.

It is important to monitor aging monkeys for any physical changes. Fat mass is lost as marmosets age so it may be necessary to supplement their diets with foods that are high in fats. The elderly monkeys at PPS have huge appetites and are very much in love with their food. Bruno, the oldest resident marmoset is always very excited for his banana and Echo and Apollo, elderly tamarins, nearly always finish their food bowls. Each individual has differing needs as they age. It is important for caregivers to interpret and meet these needs in order to maintain the monkeys’ health and happiness in their old age.

References
-Apocaps website, Dr. Demian Dressler, http://apocaps.com/faq/
-Abbot DH, Barnett DK, Colman RJ, Yamamoto ME, Schultz-Darken NJ. 2003. Aspects of common marmoset basic biology and life history important for biomedical research.
-Bowdon D. M. Aging in Non Human Primates, 1979 -Tardif S, Araujo A, Arruda M, French J, Sousa M, Yamamoto M. Reproduction and Aging in Marmosets and Tamarins, 2008
-Tardif S, Keith G, Mansfield, Ratnam R, Ross C, Ziegler T, The Marmoset as a Model of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, 2008

Special Topic: Intern Linda 
Marmosets and Tamarins- Chapter 10: From dependence to sexual maturity: the behavioral ontogeny of Callitrichidae 

There are at least four developmental stages recognized in Callitrichidae: infant, juvenile/ adolescent, sub-adult, and young adult. Different stages are determined by changes in behavior and age. Below is a table distinguishing the developmental stage and age in months for Callithrix and Saguinus.

These studies were done in captive situations therefore it is important to note that these observations do not reflect exactly what occurs in nature. 

Cotton top tamarin infants, 

Magnus and Melia, play together

 The infant stage is where most behavioral changes occur and has been studied the most extensively. If an unhealthy infant is born and does not cling to the mother, then they are allowed to drop. Abandonment has also been seen if an infant is unable to move or vocalize. Some of the behaviors that are seen in the infant stage include feeding, play, and agonistic behaviors (any social behavior related to fighting- includes threats, displays, retreats, placating aggressors, and conciliation). Feeding during the infant stage begins with nursing, moves on to sampling solid foods from the family, and finally venturing into trying new foods on their own.

In the juvenile stage young tamarin/marmoset interact with other group members besides parents and are now able to solicit grooming and groom others.

At the sub-adult age they are about 82% of their adult body weight and have mastered most of the adult behaviors, however they have not yet reached sexual maturity and are not breeding.

Callitrichids reach the adult phase from 12 to 21 months. Within this age range they attain full adult size and appearance. They also reach sexual maturity and are able to reproduce.

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

 “There is more to life than just yourself, your own family and your own kind" - Lawrence Anthony 

Lawrence Anthony saved, lived with, and rehabilitated rogue elephants. He passed away on March 7, 2012. In speaking of him, Rabbi Leila Gal Berner, Ph.D. said: “A good man died suddenly, and from miles and miles away, two herds of elephants, sensing that they had lost a beloved human friend, moved in a solemn, almost ‘funeral’ procession to make a call on the bereaved family at the deceased man’s home.”


 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 tourist attractions. Here they can heal, form families, and live free from exploitation.

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