Individual differences in temperament and behavioral management practices for nonhuman primates

Abstract

Effective behavioral management plans are tailored to unique behavioral patterns of each individual species. However, even within a species behavioral needs of individuals can vary. Factors such as age, sex, and temperament can affect behavioral needs of individuals. While some of these factors, such as age and sex, are taken into account, other factors, such as an individual’s temperament, are rarely specifically provided for in behavioral management plans. However, temperament may affect how animals respond to socialization, positive reinforcement training and other forms of enrichment. This review will examine how individual differences in temperament might affect, or be affected by, behavioral management practices for captive primates. Measuring temperament may help us predict outcome of social introductions. It can also predict which animals may be difficult to train using traditional methods. Further, knowledge of temperament may be able to help identify individuals at risk for development of behavioral problems. Taken together, understanding individual differences in temperament of captive primates can help guide behavioral management decisions.

Comparative Personality Assessment of Three Captive Primate Species: Macaca nigra, Macaca sylvanus, and Saimiri sciureus

“…The study of primate personality, Bindividual differences in behaviour which are or are thought to be stable across time and situations^ (Freeman and Gosling 2010, p. 654), informs our understanding of the evolution of personality in humans (Weiss et al 2011) and can be a valuable tool in captive management (Coleman 2012). However, much of the published literature has focused on a limited number of species; only 7 % of the known primate species have been studied, with the largest proportion of research dedicated to chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) (Freeman and Gosling 2010).…”

Rating Methodology, Personality Axes, and Behavioral Plasticity: A Case Study in African Lions

“…Finally, neurotic individuals rated highly on the traits fearful of people, insecure, and tense. Because lions are one of only a few cat species considered to be predominantly social, we suggest that several of the traits that occur in these axes, specifically those that measure fear of people or conspecifics and aggression or friendliness towards people or conspecifics, may also explain the individual's level of sociability, or preference for being with others rather than being alone (Cheek & Buss, 1981).…”

Facial expression: An under-utilised tool for the assessment of welfare in mammals

“…Individual responses may be predicted by factors such as age, sex and life history while others may be more aligned to variables such as temperament (Izzo et al, 2011;Coleman, 2012). It follows that achieving good welfare in animals requires understanding of predictable and generalized patterns, as well as modifications to account for the experiences and needs of the individual.…”

“…Animals show individualized responses to their internal, external and social environments, including variables that are introduced to improve welfare, such as socialization, training and enrichment (Izzo et al, 2011;Coleman, 2012). Individual responses may be predicted by factors such as age, sex and life history while others may be more aligned to variables such as temperament (Izzo et al, 2011;Coleman, 2012).…”