This Earth Day (April 22nd) honor the animals with whom we share the planet by making a donation to the monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary!
National Volunteer Month
April is National Volunteer Month, and we wish to express our deepest appreciation to the amazing Volunteers at Pacific Primate Sanctuary. The Sanctuary Team is comprised entirely of volunteers, we do not have any paid staff. We are so thankful for all that they do, for the many and varied gifts they bring. The Sanctuary could not function without the generous, and compassionate services PPS volunteers provide.
Resident Interns live on site and function as Primary Animal Caregivers. They take care of all aspects of animal husbandry and medical care, facility maintenance, as well as updating and maintaining our manuals and animal records, and researching relevant topics. Animal Caregiver Volunteers assist the Interns with health checks, feeding, medicating, and enclosure cleaning and maintenance. Support Staff Volunteers donate their time to help with food preparation, cleaning and organizing, gathering fruits and vegetables, weeding, clearing and planting. Other Volunteers assist in the office with data management, maintaining databases, organizing files, and helping with mailings. Groundskeeper and Handyperson Volunteers help by clearing and maintaining the land, pruning and fertilizing the trees, helping the Interns tend the organic vegetable garden, and caring for the monkeys' jungle enclosures. The Director and Operations Manager are also Volunteers, taking care of fundraising, Volunteer and Intern recruitment and management, scheduling, purchasing supplies, website maintenance, writing newsletters, and much more.
“What a wonderful privilege to have spent time as a Pacific Primate Sanctuary volunteer…Each monkey has left an impression on my heart and together have taught me to take more care with this world…The Sanctuary is an amazing place full of love and light.” –Stacy (past PPS volunteer)
We are currently in need of more local volunteers! If you live on Maui and are interested in becoming one of Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s Angels, by volunteering your time and skills, please e-mail us at pps@aloha.net
Below are images of some of the compassionate people who have volunteered their time to PPS in the last year!
“Giving unconditionally to the care of these wonderful beings has manifested countless rewards and has encouraged me to constantly challenge myself to be a better human. I am forever thankful for the time I shared with each and every one of the primates in our care and the primate caregivers.” - Taylor (past PPS volunteer)
Honoring Sebastian
One year ago, long-time supporters, Joel and Liliana, suffered the loss of Sebastian, a capuchin monkey in their care. In tribute to Sebastian, Joel and Liliana donated $500 to the Sanctuary. Their generous contribution helps us continue to provide a place of peace and healing to the monkeys who have found a home at Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Joel & Liliana write:
March 13th is the one-year anniversary of Sebastian passing on; we make the donation in his honor and to help the living of his species and other monkeys.
Liliana and I … believe 100% in the work you and your staff do for the monkeys in your care…
Thank you Joel and Liliana, we are so grateful for your compassion and benevolence.
Newly Outfitted Enclosure for the Spider Monkeys
Carlos and Montana’s enclosure has been enhanced! We installed fresh branches, platforms, firehose and a hammock, giving the Spider Monkeys lots of new areas to climb, brachiate, hang and rest. Watch Carlos and Montana enjoying their space on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwL5rrWXubE&feature=youtu.be
![]()
Volunteer your time
We are currently in need of an Animal Caregiver Volunteer for the Tuesday and/or Wednesday AM shift! Activities include preparing food for the monkeys, cleaning, keeping records, and responsibly overseeing the health and well being of the animals.
PPS is seeking a Volunteer Administrative Assistant with experience in office management, HR, secretarial work, fundraising, etc.
PPS also needs a Volunteer Office Assistant to help with: scanning documents, filing, computer input, and other general office duties.
We are looking for mature team players that would be willing to make a long-term commitment to the Sanctuary. Retirees are most welcome. Please e-mail us at pps@aloha.net if you are interested in any of these positions
Local residents only please.
GoodSearch.com offers many different ways to raise money to PPS, all without any additional cost to you! Use their yahoo based search engine, and we get a penny for each search you do. Shop online at hundreds of stores, and a portion of each purchase will be donated to PPS. There is also a dining club, online surveys and online offers. Going on Vacation? Book your flight, hotel, and rental car through GoodTravel. Go to GoodSearch.com, select Pacific Primate Sanctuary as your charity of choice, and start exploring the opportunities! Want to see how much you are helping? Create an account and you can keep track of your donations.
Goodgames is the newest way to raise money for Pacific Primate Sanctuary. Play games online, such as mahjongg, solitaire or word searches, and a penny will be donated to PPS for every 3 games you play!
Spread the Word
One great way for you to support the monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary is by sharing information about our refuge with others. Pass this E-Newsletter on to your family and friends and encourage them to “Like” us on Facebook— http://www.facebook.com/PacificPrimateSanctuary
Gift Contributions
Gift Contributions Certificates are a unique and meaningful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions or just because! Gift Recipients will receive a beautiful Contribution Certificate showing you have made a donation in their name, along with information about PPS. This thoughtful and significant gift helps to feed and care for threatened, endangered and distressed primates. Please see our website for details:
http://www.pacificprimate.org/help.htm
Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s Wish List
You can contribute to the monkeys by donating much needed items, including:
-commercial power washer -high quality microscope
-heavy-duty weed eater -gram staining supplies
-gardening supplies & equipment -sewing machine
-small handheld vacuum -construction tools
Please contact us at pps@aloha.net if you have an item you wish to donate!
How to Donate Directly
We deeply appreciate your continued partnership. You, and your family and friends, can make tax-deductible donations to the Sanctuary on our Website: www.pacificprimate.org and on FaceBook, using PayPal, or by sending a check to:
Intern Special Projects
During their residency, the Interns focus on topics of special interest and complete projects that are beneficial to the Sanctuary. One Intern contributed an extensive Medical Chart and did research on Geriatrics for her special project. Intern Edie is sharing her knowledge and experience with positive reinforcement training, which she learned while working at the Phoenix Zoo. She has recently started working with several of the monkeys at PPS to establish behaviors that are advantageous to the animals. Edie provides a brief description of this process, along with updates on the current individuals she is “shaping” below.
Operant Conditioning is a method of learning in which the occurrence of a behavior is either increased or decreased, based on the consequences for that behavior. Through the use of positive reinforcement, trainers can shape behaviors that will maintain strength and consistency. Trainers utilize what is known as a bridge (clicker, whistle, verbal) to communicate with the animal the exact moment that is being rewarded. In order to utilize a bridge it has to hold meaning with the animal. The first step is to charge the bridge or establish the bridge. This process entails creating an association between the bridge and a reward (such as a treat), so that the animal knows, when it hears a particular sound, a reward is to follow. The trainer can then use the bridge and positive reinforcement to increase the occurrence of desired behaviors. Training can serve many functions, and should be enjoyable and psychologically stimulating for the animal. It can help the caregiver and animal develop a positive working relationship. It is a form of enrichment and assists with husbandry training (entering a catch cage, location shifting, scale training, etc). Our goal in positive reinforcement training is to minimize stress on the animal, while allowing caregivers to monitor health with more ease and accuracy.
PPS Training Update:
Camille, a white tufted eared marmoset, is currently target trained. This means she will touch a specific target and hold onto it. We are utilizing this target behavior to shift her into the indoor portion of her enclosure. Currently we are unable to close her out of the greenroom during inclement weather, without her running outside, and showing signs of nervousness. She is already targeting inside and has allowed the greenroom door to be closed while remaining calm, targeting and focusing on her reward. We are currently in the early stage of establishing the bridge with Mariette, a white-tufted eared marmoset. Both Neptune & Leticia (cotton-top tamarins) and Galatea (saddleback tamarin) are in the beginning stages of scale training. All four are doing very well. We are amazed and delighted at how successful Edie’s positive reinforcement training with monkeys has been!
Special Topic: Intern Rachel
The Complete Capuchin: Ch 4 Life history and demography
Capuchins are one of the longest-lived non-human primates, with comparable life spans to chimpanzees. The oldest capuchin recorded was 55 years old and an average life span for a captive capuchin is 40 years. Capuchins living in natural conditions probably do not live as long, but it is estimated that they routinely live into their mid thirties. Pacific Primate Sanctuary is home to two white-faced capuchins, Miracle, who is turning 22 this month, and Prospero who is turning 17.
Capuchins don’t begin producing offspring for quite a long time after they are nutritionally independent from their mothers. White-faced capuchin females typically have their first birth around 7 years old in a natural setting (some earlier births have been observed in captive animals). Gestation is generally between 5 and 6 months though the amount of time varies a little from species to species. The average time between births is two years. The authors of the Complete Capuchin explain that for male capuchins, sexual maturity is not synonymous with fertility or with complete physical maturity. The peak of physical maturity tends to be around 10 years of age for males, though they are sexually mature around 5 or 6. Male virility also gradually increases throughout adolescence.
Capuchins have a long period of what is called juvenescence, the years when a capuchin is independent of its mother but not yet sexually and physically mature. It is thought that this long period of growth may help to buffer young capuchins against starvation.
Capuchin troops are generally made up of both males and females with dominant males earning the right to mate with the females. The sex ratio of capuchin groups tends to be 1 male per 2 females. The average group size is 12 – 27 individuals, but white-faced capuchins tend to have the smallest groups. On average, one fourth of capuchin groups are adult males while one third of the group tends to be adult females. Juveniles make up about 30% of groups and infants average 13% of groups.
Infants are carried on the backs of their mothers for the first several months. After 4 months infants start to move with the group on their own but, if they are unable to keep up, their mothers assist. Young capuchins are vulnerable and capuchin mortality rates are highest in the first year of life. Male capuchins may leave their natal groups as early as 2 years of age but it is more common between 3 and 6 years of age. Females may leave their family groups as well but do so much less frequently then males.
It has been found that the vast majority of movements between groups are voluntary, as opposed to evictions or takeovers. Also, males who are familiar with each other generally leave groups together and thus can protect each other and have some security when moving between groups. The authors explain that the benefits of these movements are that, usually, males increase their dominance and have access to more females. Capuchins males repeat this pattern of leaving and joining new groups throughout their life times.
-Fragaszy, D.M., Visalberghi, E., Fedigan, L.M. (2004) The Complete Capuchin: The Biology
of the Genus Cebus. UK. Cambridge University Press
![]()
Special Topic: Intern Edie
Chapter review: Locomotion and Positional Behavior of Spider Monkeys
The spider monkey, Ateles geoffroyi, utilizes different forms of positional behaviors such as postures, locomotion, and foraging strategies that are energy efficient and conducive to their fission fusion societies (Campbell, 2008). A study of wild Ateles geoffroyi and Ateles paniscus in Panama and Surinam found that limb usage helps classify the locomotion of Ateles into 5 different patterns. These patterns included; climbing and clambering, quadrapedal walking and running, bipedalism, suspensory locomotion and leaping (Mittermeier, 1978). The text: “ Spider monkeys: Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution of the Genus Ateles (Campbell, 2008) describes these modes of locomotion as follows:
Vertical ascent is obtained through the use of climbing or clambering. Quadrapedal vertical climbing utilizes all four limbs and often support from the tail. Clambering is seen with movement on multiple supports in various directions with no particular gait or limb grasping (Campbell, 2008). Quadrapedal walking and running is seen with diagonal or lateral gaits. This movement is seen on stable supports both horizontal and inclined (Campbell, 2008).
Bipedalism (walking on 2 feet) is an infrequently used mode of locomotion that involves bipedal or assisted bipedal walking. During this form of locomotion the prehensile tail and forelimbs provide support (Campbell, 2008). Suspensory locomotion includes “Tail-assisted forelimb swing” where the forelimbs alternate with little body rotation seen. “Tail-assisted brachiation” is a faster form of tail-assisted forelimb swing, and between hand grasps body rotation is over 180 degrees (Campbell, 2008). Spider monkeys cross larger canopy gaps utilizing leaping and dropping, which involves an airborne stage (Campbell, 2008).
During leaping the spider monkey uses both hind limbs and simultaneously pushes off or extends the limbs. During the airborne phase the horizontal travel is farther than the vertical travel. During “dropping” the vertical travel component is longer than the horizontal portion of the airborne phase. The spider monkeys do not push off with their hind limbs during dropping as they do with leaping.
The most commonly used forms of locomotion used for travel and feeding include quadrapedal walking and running, suspensory locomotion and climbing; foraging strategies utilize horizontal climbing the most frequently (Mittermeier, 1978). During feeding itself postures are supported and are suspensory or seated (Campbell, 2008).
Suspensory postures always involve the use of the tail paired with many different forelimb and hind limb combinations (Campbell, 2008). Campbell (2008) describes these suspensory postures as follows: “Tail-only” hang supports the body weight exclusively with the tail. “Tail-hindlimb” includes the use of the tail and one or both hindlimbs. The “horizontal tripod” utilizes both legs that are extended with the knees flexed or semi-extended. We see this position frequently with PPS spider monkey Carlos while eating citrus and other food items. “Tail-forelimb” is seen with the use of the tail and a grasped forelimb extended below the body, this is a commonly seen posture during feeding. “Tail-forelimb-hindlimb” is the same as tail-forelimb except one hind leg is grasped and used to face the body of the monkey in a particular direction. A quadrapedal hang utilizing all four limbs in addition to the tail is uncommon.
The seated posture is the most frequent among anthropoids. Spider monkeys exhibit one of 2 modes of distinguished sit positions (in primates) known as the nonischial sit or squat. In this sit position the weight of the spider monkey is not placed on the rump but rather on the flexed hind limbs (Campbell, 2008). The “sit” posture and the “stand” posture are termed as “supported postures.” The standing posture can be seen with bipedal stand using only the hind limbs, quadrapedal stand with all four limbs supporting the weight on the substrate and tripedal stand where one forelimbs is being used for eating, hanging free or providing support on a different surface (Campbell, 2008). Mittermeier (1978) found that suspensory, standing and seated postures are utilized during short term resting and long resting postures are reclining or seated. PPS spider monkeys Carlos and Montana’s short resting postures are suspensory, seated and standing, and long resting postures are almost entirely seated and reclining. Carlos and Montana are often observed in full recline on their platforms in the sun in their middle room.
References:
Mittermeier, R.A. (1978). Locomotion and Posture in Ateles geoffroyi and Ateles paniscus
New York Zoological Society, Bronx, N. Y.; Department of Anatomical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, SUNY, Stony Brook, N.Y., and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. Folia Primatol 1978;30:161–193
Spider Monkeys Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution of the Genus Ateles. (2008). Locomotion and Positional Behavior of Spider Monkeys. Campbell, C.J. Cambridge University Press
“The world, we are told, was made especially for man -- a presumption not supported by all the facts... Why should man value himself as more than a small part of the one great unit of creation?”
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 60 primates saved from research laboratories, animal dealers, and tourist attractions. Here they can heal, form social groups, and live free from exploitation.
National Volunteer Month
April is National Volunteer Month, and we wish to express our deepest appreciation to the amazing Volunteers at Pacific Primate Sanctuary. The Sanctuary Team is comprised entirely of volunteers, we do not have any paid staff. We are so thankful for all that they do, for the many and varied gifts they bring. The Sanctuary could not function without the generous, and compassionate services PPS volunteers provide.Resident Interns live on site and function as Primary Animal Caregivers. They take care of all aspects of animal husbandry and medical care, facility maintenance, as well as updating and maintaining our manuals and animal records, and researching relevant topics. Animal Caregiver Volunteers assist the Interns with health checks, feeding, medicating, and enclosure cleaning and maintenance. Support Staff Volunteers donate their time to help with food preparation, cleaning and organizing, gathering fruits and vegetables, weeding, clearing and planting. Other Volunteers assist in the office with data management, maintaining databases, organizing files, and helping with mailings. Groundskeeper and Handyperson Volunteers help by clearing and maintaining the land, pruning and fertilizing the trees, helping the Interns tend the organic vegetable garden, and caring for the monkeys' jungle enclosures. The Director and Operations Manager are also Volunteers, taking care of fundraising, Volunteer and Intern recruitment and management, scheduling, purchasing supplies, website maintenance, writing newsletters, and much more.
“What a wonderful privilege to have spent time as a Pacific Primate Sanctuary volunteer…Each monkey has left an impression on my heart and together have taught me to take more care with this world…The Sanctuary is an amazing place full of love and light.” –Stacy (past PPS volunteer)We are currently in need of more local volunteers! If you live on Maui and are interested in becoming one of Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s Angels, by volunteering your time and skills, please e-mail us at pps@aloha.net
Below are images of some of the compassionate people who have volunteered their time to PPS in the last year!
“Giving unconditionally to the care of these wonderful beings has manifested countless rewards and has encouraged me to constantly challenge myself to be a better human. I am forever thankful for the time I shared with each and every one of the primates in our care and the primate caregivers.” - Taylor (past PPS volunteer)
Thank you to all of our Volunteers, Past and Present, for your selfless service!
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
-Aesop
THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS
Honoring Sebastian
One year ago, long-time supporters, Joel and Liliana, suffered the loss of Sebastian, a capuchin monkey in their care. In tribute to Sebastian, Joel and Liliana donated $500 to the Sanctuary. Their generous contribution helps us continue to provide a place of peace and healing to the monkeys who have found a home at Pacific Primate Sanctuary.Joel & Liliana write:
March 13th is the one-year anniversary of Sebastian passing on; we make the donation in his honor and to help the living of his species and other monkeys.
Liliana and I … believe 100% in the work you and your staff do for the monkeys in your care…
Thank you Joel and Liliana, we are so grateful for your compassion and benevolence.
WHAT’S HAPPENING at PPS
Newly Outfitted Enclosure for the Spider Monkeys
Carlos and Montana’s enclosure has been enhanced! We installed fresh branches, platforms, firehose and a hammock, giving the Spider Monkeys lots of new areas to climb, brachiate, hang and rest. Watch Carlos and Montana enjoying their space on YouTube!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwL5rrWXubE&feature=youtu.be
This Earth Day (April 22), please honor the animals with whom we share the Earth, by supporting the Monkeys!
WAYS YOU CAN HELP the MONKEYS at PPS
Pacific Primate Sanctuary is a small community, made up of about 10 volunteers, doing a big job. We spend very little on fundraising and administration. We grow most of the fruits and vegetables to feed the monkeys, and the plants to enhance their habitats and enrich their lives. Down to Earth, a local health food store gives us produce, dairy, grains and nuts, and Aloha to the monkeys weekly. Local businesses provide discounts on goods and services, and our veterinarians donate much of their time and expertise to PPS.
Your donations go directly to caring for the animals.
The monkeys depend upon the support of compassionate people for their survival. Please help the Sanctuary protect the lives of these threatened beings and preserve their species.
With your generous donation, we become a powerful force for Life.
Below are several ways that you can become a partner in our life-saving work.
Your donations go directly to caring for the animals.
The monkeys depend upon the support of compassionate people for their survival. Please help the Sanctuary protect the lives of these threatened beings and preserve their species.
With your generous donation, we become a powerful force for Life.
Below are several ways that you can become a partner in our life-saving work.
Volunteer your time
We are currently in need of an Animal Caregiver Volunteer for the Tuesday and/or Wednesday AM shift! Activities include preparing food for the monkeys, cleaning, keeping records, and responsibly overseeing the health and well being of the animals.
PPS is seeking a Volunteer Administrative Assistant with experience in office management, HR, secretarial work, fundraising, etc.
PPS also needs a Volunteer Office Assistant to help with: scanning documents, filing, computer input, and other general office duties.
We are looking for mature team players that would be willing to make a long-term commitment to the Sanctuary. Retirees are most welcome. Please e-mail us at pps@aloha.net if you are interested in any of these positions
Local residents only please.
GoodSearch.com offers many different ways to raise money to PPS, all without any additional cost to you! Use their yahoo based search engine, and we get a penny for each search you do. Shop online at hundreds of stores, and a portion of each purchase will be donated to PPS. There is also a dining club, online surveys and online offers. Going on Vacation? Book your flight, hotel, and rental car through GoodTravel. Go to GoodSearch.com, select Pacific Primate Sanctuary as your charity of choice, and start exploring the opportunities! Want to see how much you are helping? Create an account and you can keep track of your donations.
Goodgames is the newest way to raise money for Pacific Primate Sanctuary. Play games online, such as mahjongg, solitaire or word searches, and a penny will be donated to PPS for every 3 games you play!
Spread the Word
One great way for you to support the monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary is by sharing information about our refuge with others. Pass this E-Newsletter on to your family and friends and encourage them to “Like” us on Facebook— http://www.facebook.com/PacificPrimateSanctuary
Gift Contributions
Gift Contributions Certificates are a unique and meaningful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions or just because! Gift Recipients will receive a beautiful Contribution Certificate showing you have made a donation in their name, along with information about PPS. This thoughtful and significant gift helps to feed and care for threatened, endangered and distressed primates. Please see our website for details:http://www.pacificprimate.org/help.htm
Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s Wish List
You can contribute to the monkeys by donating much needed items, including:
-commercial power washer -high quality microscope
-heavy-duty weed eater -gram staining supplies
-gardening supplies & equipment -sewing machine
-small handheld vacuum -construction tools
Please contact us at pps@aloha.net if you have an item you wish to donate!
How to Donate Directly
We deeply appreciate your continued partnership. You, and your family and friends, can make tax-deductible donations to the Sanctuary on our Website: www.pacificprimate.org and on FaceBook, using PayPal, or by sending a check to:
Pacific Primate Sanctuary
500-A Haloa Road
Haiku, HI 96708
With your support, you make everything we do possible!
PPS INTERNSHIP
500-A Haloa Road
Haiku, HI 96708
With your support, you make everything we do possible!
PPS INTERNSHIP
Intern Special Projects
During their residency, the Interns focus on topics of special interest and complete projects that are beneficial to the Sanctuary. One Intern contributed an extensive Medical Chart and did research on Geriatrics for her special project. Intern Edie is sharing her knowledge and experience with positive reinforcement training, which she learned while working at the Phoenix Zoo. She has recently started working with several of the monkeys at PPS to establish behaviors that are advantageous to the animals. Edie provides a brief description of this process, along with updates on the current individuals she is “shaping” below.
Operant Conditioning is a method of learning in which the occurrence of a behavior is either increased or decreased, based on the consequences for that behavior. Through the use of positive reinforcement, trainers can shape behaviors that will maintain strength and consistency. Trainers utilize what is known as a bridge (clicker, whistle, verbal) to communicate with the animal the exact moment that is being rewarded. In order to utilize a bridge it has to hold meaning with the animal. The first step is to charge the bridge or establish the bridge. This process entails creating an association between the bridge and a reward (such as a treat), so that the animal knows, when it hears a particular sound, a reward is to follow. The trainer can then use the bridge and positive reinforcement to increase the occurrence of desired behaviors. Training can serve many functions, and should be enjoyable and psychologically stimulating for the animal. It can help the caregiver and animal develop a positive working relationship. It is a form of enrichment and assists with husbandry training (entering a catch cage, location shifting, scale training, etc). Our goal in positive reinforcement training is to minimize stress on the animal, while allowing caregivers to monitor health with more ease and accuracy.PPS Training Update:
Camille, a white tufted eared marmoset, is currently target trained. This means she will touch a specific target and hold onto it. We are utilizing this target behavior to shift her into the indoor portion of her enclosure. Currently we are unable to close her out of the greenroom during inclement weather, without her running outside, and showing signs of nervousness. She is already targeting inside and has allowed the greenroom door to be closed while remaining calm, targeting and focusing on her reward. We are currently in the early stage of establishing the bridge with Mariette, a white-tufted eared marmoset. Both Neptune & Leticia (cotton-top tamarins) and Galatea (saddleback tamarin) are in the beginning stages of scale training. All four are doing very well. We are amazed and delighted at how successful Edie’s positive reinforcement training with monkeys has been!
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Special Topic: Intern Rachel
The Complete Capuchin: Ch 4 Life history and demography
Capuchins are one of the longest-lived non-human primates, with comparable life spans to chimpanzees. The oldest capuchin recorded was 55 years old and an average life span for a captive capuchin is 40 years. Capuchins living in natural conditions probably do not live as long, but it is estimated that they routinely live into their mid thirties. Pacific Primate Sanctuary is home to two white-faced capuchins, Miracle, who is turning 22 this month, and Prospero who is turning 17.
Capuchins don’t begin producing offspring for quite a long time after they are nutritionally independent from their mothers. White-faced capuchin females typically have their first birth around 7 years old in a natural setting (some earlier births have been observed in captive animals). Gestation is generally between 5 and 6 months though the amount of time varies a little from species to species. The average time between births is two years. The authors of the Complete Capuchin explain that for male capuchins, sexual maturity is not synonymous with fertility or with complete physical maturity. The peak of physical maturity tends to be around 10 years of age for males, though they are sexually mature around 5 or 6. Male virility also gradually increases throughout adolescence.
Capuchins have a long period of what is called juvenescence, the years when a capuchin is independent of its mother but not yet sexually and physically mature. It is thought that this long period of growth may help to buffer young capuchins against starvation.
Capuchin troops are generally made up of both males and females with dominant males earning the right to mate with the females. The sex ratio of capuchin groups tends to be 1 male per 2 females. The average group size is 12 – 27 individuals, but white-faced capuchins tend to have the smallest groups. On average, one fourth of capuchin groups are adult males while one third of the group tends to be adult females. Juveniles make up about 30% of groups and infants average 13% of groups.Infants are carried on the backs of their mothers for the first several months. After 4 months infants start to move with the group on their own but, if they are unable to keep up, their mothers assist. Young capuchins are vulnerable and capuchin mortality rates are highest in the first year of life. Male capuchins may leave their natal groups as early as 2 years of age but it is more common between 3 and 6 years of age. Females may leave their family groups as well but do so much less frequently then males.
It has been found that the vast majority of movements between groups are voluntary, as opposed to evictions or takeovers. Also, males who are familiar with each other generally leave groups together and thus can protect each other and have some security when moving between groups. The authors explain that the benefits of these movements are that, usually, males increase their dominance and have access to more females. Capuchins males repeat this pattern of leaving and joining new groups throughout their life times.
-Fragaszy, D.M., Visalberghi, E., Fedigan, L.M. (2004) The Complete Capuchin: The Biology
of the Genus Cebus. UK. Cambridge University Press
Special Topic: Intern Edie
Chapter review: Locomotion and Positional Behavior of Spider Monkeys
The spider monkey, Ateles geoffroyi, utilizes different forms of positional behaviors such as postures, locomotion, and foraging strategies that are energy efficient and conducive to their fission fusion societies (Campbell, 2008). A study of wild Ateles geoffroyi and Ateles paniscus in Panama and Surinam found that limb usage helps classify the locomotion of Ateles into 5 different patterns. These patterns included; climbing and clambering, quadrapedal walking and running, bipedalism, suspensory locomotion and leaping (Mittermeier, 1978). The text: “ Spider monkeys: Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution of the Genus Ateles (Campbell, 2008) describes these modes of locomotion as follows:
Vertical ascent is obtained through the use of climbing or clambering. Quadrapedal vertical climbing utilizes all four limbs and often support from the tail. Clambering is seen with movement on multiple supports in various directions with no particular gait or limb grasping (Campbell, 2008). Quadrapedal walking and running is seen with diagonal or lateral gaits. This movement is seen on stable supports both horizontal and inclined (Campbell, 2008).
Bipedalism (walking on 2 feet) is an infrequently used mode of locomotion that involves bipedal or assisted bipedal walking. During this form of locomotion the prehensile tail and forelimbs provide support (Campbell, 2008). Suspensory locomotion includes “Tail-assisted forelimb swing” where the forelimbs alternate with little body rotation seen. “Tail-assisted brachiation” is a faster form of tail-assisted forelimb swing, and between hand grasps body rotation is over 180 degrees (Campbell, 2008). Spider monkeys cross larger canopy gaps utilizing leaping and dropping, which involves an airborne stage (Campbell, 2008).During leaping the spider monkey uses both hind limbs and simultaneously pushes off or extends the limbs. During the airborne phase the horizontal travel is farther than the vertical travel. During “dropping” the vertical travel component is longer than the horizontal portion of the airborne phase. The spider monkeys do not push off with their hind limbs during dropping as they do with leaping.
The most commonly used forms of locomotion used for travel and feeding include quadrapedal walking and running, suspensory locomotion and climbing; foraging strategies utilize horizontal climbing the most frequently (Mittermeier, 1978). During feeding itself postures are supported and are suspensory or seated (Campbell, 2008).
Suspensory postures always involve the use of the tail paired with many different forelimb and hind limb combinations (Campbell, 2008). Campbell (2008) describes these suspensory postures as follows: “Tail-only” hang supports the body weight exclusively with the tail. “Tail-hindlimb” includes the use of the tail and one or both hindlimbs. The “horizontal tripod” utilizes both legs that are extended with the knees flexed or semi-extended. We see this position frequently with PPS spider monkey Carlos while eating citrus and other food items. “Tail-forelimb” is seen with the use of the tail and a grasped forelimb extended below the body, this is a commonly seen posture during feeding. “Tail-forelimb-hindlimb” is the same as tail-forelimb except one hind leg is grasped and used to face the body of the monkey in a particular direction. A quadrapedal hang utilizing all four limbs in addition to the tail is uncommon.
The seated posture is the most frequent among anthropoids. Spider monkeys exhibit one of 2 modes of distinguished sit positions (in primates) known as the nonischial sit or squat. In this sit position the weight of the spider monkey is not placed on the rump but rather on the flexed hind limbs (Campbell, 2008). The “sit” posture and the “stand” posture are termed as “supported postures.” The standing posture can be seen with bipedal stand using only the hind limbs, quadrapedal stand with all four limbs supporting the weight on the substrate and tripedal stand where one forelimbs is being used for eating, hanging free or providing support on a different surface (Campbell, 2008). Mittermeier (1978) found that suspensory, standing and seated postures are utilized during short term resting and long resting postures are reclining or seated. PPS spider monkeys Carlos and Montana’s short resting postures are suspensory, seated and standing, and long resting postures are almost entirely seated and reclining. Carlos and Montana are often observed in full recline on their platforms in the sun in their middle room.
References:
Mittermeier, R.A. (1978). Locomotion and Posture in Ateles geoffroyi and Ateles paniscus
New York Zoological Society, Bronx, N. Y.; Department of Anatomical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, SUNY, Stony Brook, N.Y., and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. Folia Primatol 1978;30:161–193
Spider Monkeys Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution of the Genus Ateles. (2008). Locomotion and Positional Behavior of Spider Monkeys. Campbell, C.J. Cambridge University Press
“The world, we are told, was made especially for man -- a presumption not supported by all the facts... Why should man value himself as more than a small part of the one great unit of creation?”
—John Muir, naturalist and explorer (1838-1914)
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