Behavioural Repertoires and Time Budgets of Semi-Free-Ranging and Captive Groups of Wedge-Capped Capuchin Monkeys, Cebus olivaceus, in Zoo Exhibits in Venezuela

Abstract

The behavioural repertoires and time budgets of 2 captive groups and 1 semi-free-ranging group of Cebus olivaceus were determined with the aim to assess the impact of the zoo environment on behaviour. The repertoires were qualitatively similar between groups and to those reported for wild troops, but the captive groups showed self-directed and stereotyped behaviours not reported in the wild. The differences in repertoires between groups were easily associated with the opportunity to interact directly with the visitors, with particularities of the enclosure and with the severity of confinement. Overall, females spent more time foraging than males in the 2 captive groups, and adults rested and watched more than subadults in all the groups. Time budgets were dominated by foraging, resting, movement and affiliative interactions, but their relative importance varied between groups, with foraging being especially prominent in the most confined group. The time budgets also varied qualitatively from those reported for wild troops. We conclude the species is behaviourally able to adjust to captivity, but the slight differences along the continuum from wild to semi-free to captive are suggestive of mild stress or social tension probably due to unstimulating environmental conditions, high visitor pressure and deviations from typical sex-age group composition.

Activity budget and social behavior of urban capuchin monkeys, Sapajus sp. (Primates: Cebidae)

“…The capuchins in this study spent less time feeding, but they also spent less time resting, which contrasts with the pattern described above for animals with access to anthropic food. This low investment in rest could be explained by the frequent human stimulus, as also observed in captive gracile capuchins, Cebus olivaceus Schomburgk, 1848, by Tárano and López (2015). In our study site, humans frequently use the fragment as path shortcuts and often contact and feed the capuchins (Suzin et al 2017).…”

“…They vary their time budget according to the season, daytime, social status, reproductive condition, sex, and age (Robinson 1984, 1986, Fragaszy et al 2004, Rímoli et al 2008. Usually capuchin monkeys spend more time searching for food (traveling and foraging) than resting and socializing (Fragaszy et al 2004, Rímoli et al 2008, Tárano and López 2015. Juvenile and adult females tend to spend more time searching for food due to the curiosity and foraging inability of the former, and the energetic requirements of the latter (Robinson 1984, 1986, Strier 2011, Tárano and López 2015.…”

“…Usually capuchin monkeys spend more time searching for food (traveling and foraging) than resting and socializing (Fragaszy et al 2004, Rímoli et al 2008, Tárano and López 2015. Juvenile and adult females tend to spend more time searching for food due to the curiosity and foraging inability of the former, and the energetic requirements of the latter (Robinson 1984, 1986, Strier 2011, Tárano and López 2015. Also, hierarchic conditions imposed on juvenile monkeys force them to explore marginal resources, whereas high-quality foods tend to be consumed by the adults (Janson 1985, Janson andvan Schaik 1993).…”

Monitoramento não invasivo do estresse em animais silvestres mantidos em cativeiro

“…O comportamento estereotipado (pacing) foi observado em araraazul-de-lear (Anodorhynchus leari) que também expressaram outro comportamento anômalo, o de arrancar as próprias penas (Azevedo et al, 2016). Outros exemplos de comportamento esteriotipado observados em outras espécies de animais Neotropicais são: pacing em ema (Rhea americana) (Azevedo et al, 2010); pacing, andar em círculos e lamber as mãos repetidamente em cairara (Cebus olivaceus) (Tárano & López, 2015); e pacing em onça (Panthera onca, Sellinger & Ha, 2005).…”

High Mortality and Altered Diurnal Activity Pattern of Captive Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) in Mrigasthali Enclosure, Pashupatinath Area, Kathmandu

“…Captive environment can be defined in terms of four dimensions potentially affecting animal behaviour: regular presence of large numbers of unfamiliar and behaviourally diverse (passive-active) humans, restricted and unchanging space, forced proximity to other animal species, and human management (Hosey, 2005). Captivity imposes limits on animal behavioural diversity, especially on those with higher mobility and large home ranges, and has been traditionally associated with the appearance of atypical behaviours or stereotyped actions such as moving in circles, pacing, excessive self-cleaning or scratching and, in extreme cases, self-biting and mutilation (Tarano & Lopez, 2015).…”