Primate Update 1-15

The World’s Rainforests in 2014

All of the monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary are native to the Amazon Rainforest, and sadly, their home continues to be destroyed at a discouraging rate. The destruction of the world’s rainforests has far reaching effects.  Tropical Rainforests cover only 12% of the world’s land area, but they are home to between 50-90% of all the world’s species, and 350 million people.  The plants in the rainforest provide vital resources, including medicines, food, dyes, gum and rubber.  Rainforests also help to regulate the climate systems, not just locally, but globally as well.   Rainforest plants absorb Carbon Dioxide and store it, preventing its discharge into the atmosphere.  When the trees are cut, the carbon is released into the atmosphere, where it mixes with greenhouse gases, and contributes to Global Warming. Clearing the rainforests also drastically affects annual rainfall patterns worldwide as well as causing increased temperatures. (1) Fortunately, more and more people are beginning to understand the importance of Tropical Rainforest, and efforts are being made to protect the Rainforests. 

In 2014, several positive actions were made towards conserving the world’s rainforests. The most remarkable accomplishments were the Zero Forestation Commitment Policies adopted by several major corporations.  Most of these policies applied specifically to Palm Oil production, which is a leading contributor to deforestation. Some companies, such as Cargill, extended their Zero Forestation commitment even further to include cattle, sugar, soy and cocoa production.  Some aspects of the Zero Deforestation polices include traceability, respecting local communities within the rainforest, and adhering to standards of the RSPO (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil).   

Deforestation rates in Brazil dropped by 18% in 2014 due to a combination of economic trends and direct interventions including improved monitoring, new protected areas, stronger law enforcement and pressure from environmental groups.  This reduction in deforestation “has prevented 3.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equal to the savings that would have been achieved by taking all cars off American roads for three years.”(2).   Additionally, the Brazilian soy industry has extended its deforestation moratorium for another year and a half.  The moratorium prevents Brazilian Amazon forests from being deforested for soy production.
 
Several countries worldwide have pledged to restore millions of hectares of land by 2020, and researches have found 125 million hectares of degraded land suitable for agriculture.  Utilizing this land would provide a forest-friendly option that ill still allow for agricultural expansion.

While many trends were positive, not all rainforest news in 2014 was good.  Billions of dollars are still being spent on large-scale infrastructure projects that pose a hazard to the rainforests. Currently 1/3 of the world’s forest loss can be attributed to producing four commodities- beef, oil, soy and wood. From 2000 through 2012, half of all tropical deforestation for agriculture was done illegally, indicating that laws to protect the rainforests were not enforced.

Global awareness of the value of tropical rainforests is rising, and more people are committed to making a difference.  The rise in consciousness is vital to the wellbeing of the rainforests and the planet. Companies respond to the demand of consumers, the more people who shop ethically and support brands that are committed to reducing deforestation, the greater impact we can have.  Purchasing only recycled paper products, reusing cloth bags, and recycling are additional ways to make an impact.
 
I think we need to be clear that the drivers of rainforest destruction do not originate in the rainforest nations, but in the more developed countries, which unwittingly or not, have caused climate change.    — Charles, Prince of Wales

1. ClimateFocus. "Clearing tropical rainforests distorts Earth's wind and water systems, packs climate wallop beyond carbon." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 18 December 2014. .
2. Butler, Rhett, 2014, http://news.mongabay.com/2014/1230-year-in-rainforests-2014.html. 
3.  Nature Climate Change 5, 27–36 (2015) doi:10.1038/nclimate2430. Received 31 July 2014 Accepted 10 October 2014 Published online 18 December 2014. http://www.nature.com/nclimate/journal/v5/n1/full/nclimate2430.html
4. Lawrence, Deborah.  “Effects of Tropical Deforestation on Climate and Agriculture”.  18 December 2014. http://www.climateandlandusealliance.org/uploads/PDFs/Effects_of_Tropical_Deforestation_Policymaker_Summary.pdf
5. Aotearoa / New Zealand Good Wood Guide. The Importance of Rainforests. http://www.rainforestinfo.org.au/good_wood/the_imp.htm

HAWAIIAN VALUES

 
The Hawaiian ancestors adhered to a set of values that guided their daily lives. These beliefs and principles have been passed on, through the generations, and are still an important part of traditional Hawaiian society today.  In the ongoing issues of Primate Update, we explore how the Sanctuary embodies traditional Hawaiian perspectives and practices.
 
Aloha ‘Aina, Malama ‘Aina
At the heart of Hawaiian values are the concepts of Malama 'Aina to care for, and nurture the land so it can give back all we need to sustain life for ourselves and our future generations; and Aloha 'aina to love and protect the land and be responsible for it. (E malama pono i ka‘aina; nana mai ke ola.  Take good care of the land; it grants you life. — Edith Kanaka`ole)
 
Aloha ‘aina, malama ‘aina has always been one of the most fundamental beliefs in Hawaii.  Ancient Hawaiians understood that the resources of the land were limited, and that caring for the land was vital to the continuation of the people.  People used only what they needed for survival, and left the rest to continue to grow.  They cherished and nurtured the land, respecting it as the source of all life. In today’s world, where rainforests are destroyed, oceans are littered with trash, natural resources are depleted, and animals are exploited and deprived of their birthright, this ancient philosophy is extremely different from much of the current way of life, and one that is necessary to adopt if we wish to return the planet to a state of equilibrium.
 
For Pacific Primate Sanctuary, respect and caring for the land and the Sanctuary’s inhabitants is our fundamental principle and guides our daily actions.  We cultivate the land, growing fresh fruits and vegetables for the animals to eat, as well as using surplus food donated from local stores, eliminating the need to ship produce from afar or purchase items in wasteful packaging.  We freeze and dehydrate surplus items, allowing us to utilize them at a later date.  Any food that does not get eaten or preserved goes to the compost, allowing us to nurture the soil and continue the cycle of growing.  We switched from an individually packaged commercial primate diet to one that comes in bulk powder form, eliminating large quantities of wasteful tin cans.  We recycle all that we are able to, and reuse items whenever possible.  Above all else, we are in service to the precious beings with whom we share the planet, protecting them, providing compassionate care, a life with others of their species, and a rainforest environment where they can express natural behaviors.
  

PRAISE for PACIFIC PRIMATE SANCTUARY

 
We are so appreciative of the contributions of our compassionate supporters who donate and volunteer to help keep our good work going.  Their assistance and encouragement are truly uplifting, providing us with confidence and inspiration every day. A generous PPS Partner wrote the following heartwarming review on the Great Nonprofits website. (http://greatnonprofits.org/org/pacific-primate-sanctuary-inc)
 
I am just a donor. I live on the shores of the North Atlantic, some 5,000 miles from the Pacific Primate Sanctuary. I have never been to the sanctuary; never been to Hawaii. One evening in 2008 I was half-listening to NPR as I prepared dinner. They were running a series on sounds that are common in the lives of some people but might be virtually unknowable to the rest of us. I heard a woman's voice and what sounded like the chirping, chattering of birds in the background. As I paid closer attention I learned that the "birds" were actually monkeys, as heard by the sanctuary volunteers as they entered the enclosure each morning. And, of course, the voice was Lucy Wormser's. Lucy said that before the monkeys arrived at the sanctuary they had never felt the sun, the wind, rain on their fur, or seen the sky. Those words struck a chord deep in my soul. 
 


The next day Google delivered me to PPS's doorstep and I made a donation. The following day I received a kind, welcoming email from Lucy. We have been friends ever since. Over the years I have learned much about the serious research and other work performed at PPS. But, as a layperson, what touches me most is the love and compassion for the monkeys that I feel every single time I interact with PPS. And best of all, of course, are the monkeys. In every picture or video clip, they positively glow with well-being and joy. 
 


Just thinking about the monkeys living out their natural lives together in such a loving place brings me a special kind of peace. I can sit quietly in my chair here and, soon enough, I hear the monkeys "singing" in their beautiful safe haven provided by… all the dedicated volunteers. 

 
 

WAYS YOU CAN HELP the MONKEYS at PPS

Donating to Pacific Primate Sanctuary can be as simple as doing an Internet search!  Visit GoodSearch.com and designate Pacific Primate Sanctuary as your charity of choice, and get started using this philanthropic program.  Each time you do a search using GoodSearch, a small contribution will be made to PPS!  Larger donations are made to PPS when you order from one of the many participating online stores, using GoodShop.
 
 
GoodShop
Use GoodShop.com for all your gifts, shopping, travel, etc. After designating Pacific Primate Sanctuary as your nonprofit of choice, you can shop at more than 900 top online retailers and a significant percentage of your purchases will automatically be donated to the Sanctuary at no cost to you! For example: if you shop on eBay using Goodshop.com, 25-35% of eBay revenue will be donated to PPS! GoodShop also provides many valuable coupons to use towards your purchases. When you select a store, you will automatically be redirected to a coupon page for that store.
 
 
Give the Gift of Your Service and Volunteer Your Time
We are currently in need of more local volunteers! We need Animal Caregivers, Handy people, and Gardeners/Landscapers. Retirees are welcome. 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 pps@pacificprimate.org
 

Donate an Item From the PPS Wish List
You can contribute to the monkeys by donating much needed items, including:
- commercial power washer                                    - power saw
- heavy-duty weed eater                                          - construction supplies                                    
- gardening supplies & equipment                           - pillowcases and baby blankets
- pet carriers                                                            - push lawnmower
 
 Please contact us at pps@pacificprimate.org if you have an item you’d like to donate!
 

How to Contribute Directly
We deeply appreciate your continued partnership. Please 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

 

“Malama ‘Ola the Monkeys” and help us provide food, medicine and supplies for the 50 monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary and contribute to the care of the
 Beings with whom we share the Earth.

 

PPS INTERNSHIP

 
Welcome PPS Resident Intern, Katie, who arrived on January 12th for her year long Internship.  Katie recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology at the University of Minnesota.
 
In her acceptance letter, Katie wrote:
It is with great pleasure that I accept your offer to join the Pacific Primate Sanctuary as a resident intern. I consider it a privilege to join your team. Thank you for making the interview process enjoyable and I look forward to working with you and the Sanctuary team… 
 
I also look forward to working with the monkeys and doing what I can to improve their conditions on an individual basis as well as on a global level. What I see in the sanctuary is that concern for immediate, meaningful help for the animals as well as implementing changes and education that can span across the world, an ideal which drew me to the sanctuary above other nonprofits. Thank you again for this opportunity and for welcoming me into your team.
 

The PPS Resident Internship Would Not Be Possible Without The Support Of Our Altruistic Donors. Funding for this essential program is needed in order to provide housing, utilities, and supplies for our 2015 Resident Interns.

To find out how you can contribute to Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s Internship Program, please email us at: pps@pacificprimate.org or donate now at: http://pacificprimate.org/help.htm

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION

 
Special Topic:  Intern Amanda
“Effects of Training on Stress-Related Behavior of the Common Marmoset in Relation to Coping with Routine Husbandry Procedures”. Bassett, Buchanan-Smith, McKinley, and Smith. Taylor & Francis Online from the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science Volume 6, Issue 3, 2003. 

It is always an aim for animal caregivers to prevent and reduce stress in the animals they care for. General husbandry tasks that are required for the wellbeing of the animal, such as getting weights, and providing physical exams for sick individuals, can also induce stress. It is important to be able to understand when an animal is stressed and to work to reduce that stress in order to give the best care. It has been suggested that training animals can significantly lower this kind of stress. I have mentioned the study “Effects of Training on Stress-Related Behavior of the Common Marmoset in Relation to Coping with Routine Husbandry Procedures” in a past special topic in relation to using frequent scent marking as a measure of stress, but here I will discuss the main idea explored in the study.

Self-scratching, increased scent marking, aggressive behavior, and increased time of inactivity were cited as behavioral indicators of stress in this species. A group of 24 marmosets (12 trained and 12 untrained) were caught in their enclosures and taken to be weighed. This process took on average around four minutes without significant variation in time between the trained and untrained groups. Behavior was observed before and following this routine husbandry procedure and level of stress evaluated.  Of the above behaviors self-scratching and inactivity were the most significantly affected by the stressor. These indicators did not normalize until 6 hours after the procedure.  The trained group was affected significantly less. These lower stress levels in the trained group are thought to due to their increase in positive human interaction.  These animals were trained using positive reinforcement and frequent rewards and would have likely shaped the animals’ perception of the stressor. As we begin to train individuals at PPS using positive reinforcement it is encouraging to see Bassett, Buchanan-Smith, McKinley, and Smith’s study indicating this positive human interaction will likely lower stress surrounding husbandry procedures even outside the initial targeted procedure.

 

 
Special Topic: Intern Kenzie
Marmosets and Tamarins.  Systematics, Behavior, and Ecology.
Chapter 8: Themes in Saguinus Social Organizations and Behavior: The Role of Predation Pressures
 
Many studies have been conducted on tamarin vocalizations and their meanings.  Specific studies have focused on long-term memory of calls unique to socially important individuals, such as relatives and mates.  It has been discovered that Tamarins remember socially important individuals, even if they have not been in contact with them for a long time. This discovery is a key factor in understanding the avoidance of inbreeding after dispersal in migratory species in the wild. Long-term social memory has been found in a variety of non-human primate species.
 
Wild cotton top tamarins of both genders are equally likely to separate and remain out of contact with their natal group members for a great deal of time before coming into contact with them again. As stated in the article by Matthews and Snowdon, "Based on the analyses and playback of long calls, captive cotton-top tamarins have discriminated between familiar and unfamiliar individuals by showing higher levels of arousal to unfamiliar individuals. We defined behaviors indicative of alerting and arousal as frequency of piloerection, scanning, approaching the speaker and giving antiphonal long call vocalizations."  These findings coincide with the significance of the long call in a social context.  Long calls can be used to attract group mates to a food source, to locate neighboring cohesive or natal groups, or as territorial interactions with neighboring groups.
 
At PPS, we can see examples of a long-call if a long-term pair has been separated due to illness. One can hear the mates calling to one another from the Corridor to the Infirmary, most recently seen with Artemis and Ezra.  Artemis, is currently in the infirmary due to complications from kidney disease, and she is frequently heard calling to Ezra, who responds with his own long call.  These calls could be meant to locate the mate or simply to keep in contact. 

Special Topic: Intern Kia
The Complete Capuchin: The biology of the Genus Cebus
Chapter 7 – Motor Skills
 
In the wild, capuchin monkeys spend around half their day foraging for food.  Much of this time is spent manipulating substrates and ingesting the food found within the substrate, for example dead branches, termite nests or bamboo cane. With prey found in a variety of different places and substrates, it is known that capuchins use a variety of manual actions and objects to manipulate access to their food. Capuchin manipulation can range from extremely vigorous motions, for example, when they pound hard objects against a surface, to extremely delicate motions, for example, when they pick small invertebrates out of holes in a tree trunk.

Capuchins both in the wild and in captivity are very well known for their general cleverness with their hands. In captivity capuchins have a reputation for undoing locks and latches that other species cannot.We are currently working on behavioral conditioning with Prospero and Miracle. The end goal is to have Prospero and Miracle comfortable with entering their crates when needed to. However, in order to achieve this goal, there are many smaller goals that need to be accomplished first. It is very important for me, as the trainer, to understand the range of motions and motor skills of capuchins so that I do not ask them to complete a task that wouldn’t be possible for them to complete. Prospero and Miracle are currently working on target training. This involves them touching a target in order to receive food. Target training is just one of the smaller steps that will hopefully lead to the end result of entering their crates, and so far Prospero and Miracle are doing wonderfully!  
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

“The plain fact is that the planet does not need more successful people. But it does desperately need more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of every kind. It needs people who live well in their places. It needs people of moral courage willing to join the fight to make the world habitable and humane. And these qualities have little to do with success as we have defined it.”

  ― David W. Orr,
Ecological Literacy: Educating Our Children for a Sustainable World
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 50 primates saved from research laboratories, animal dealers, and tourist attractions. Here they can heal, form social groups, and live free from exploitation.