Interspecific interactions and welfare implications in mixed species communities of capuchin (Sapajus apella) and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) over 3 years

Abstract

Please e-mail h.m.buchanan-smith@stir.ac.uk for a personal copy of thsi article pubished in Applied Animal hence we argue that good enclosure design and husbandry is the most important factor in promoting positive interactions between individuals in mixed species groups. We conclude that long-term monitoring is important, and when combined with appropriate husbandry and enclosure upkeep, the welfare of individuals is enhanced in mixed species groups by the presence of other species.

Is mixed-species living cognitively enriching? Enclosure use and welfare in two captive groups of tufted capuchins (Sapajus apella) and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus).

“…Indoor temperatures were approximately 24°C, maintained using radiant ceiling heaters and the air conditioning system, and outdoor temperature ranged between 12ºC and 25ºC during the study period. Daily routines were similar to previous observation periods as detailed by Leonardi et al (2010) and Buchanan-Smith et al (2013). The main feeds were in the morning and afternoon (in the indoor enclosures), with scatter feeds being distributed throughout the rest of the day (usually in the outdoor enclosure before/during the afternoon educational talk).…”

“…Housing different species in a mixed exhibit is one way to provide captive animals with more challenging, complex social (and often physical) environments, and is now becoming commonplace in many zoos (Buchanan-Smith, Griciute, Daoudi, Leonardi, & Whiten, 2013;Hardie, 1997;Leonardi, Buchanan-Smith, Dufour, Macdonald, & Whiten, 2011;MacDonald & Whiten, 2011;Sodaro, 1999;Veasey & Hammer, 2010). The most successful combinations are those of naturally associating species (e.g., for New World primates; Buchanan-Smith, 2012), although some zoos exhibit sympatric species that do not associate (e.g., one species is arboreal and the other terrestrial; or one is diurnal, the other nocturnal).…”

“…Animals housed in mixed-species exhibits are likely to benefit from having larger enclosures than animals housed in single-species exhibits (Baker, 1992). Larger enclosures often facilitate increases in physical activity (e.g., more exploratory and play activities), social complexity and cognitive challenges, which can lead to improved welfare (Buchanan-Smith, 1999;Buchanan-Smith et al, 2013;Dalton & Buchanan-Smith, 2005;Heymann, Sicchar Valdez, & Tapia, 1996;Leonardi et al, 2010;Thomas & Maruska, 1996). That being said, mixed-species exhibits have had varying degrees of success (see reviews by Buchanan-Smith, 2012;Sodaro, 1999).…”

“…That being said, mixed-species exhibits have had varying degrees of success (see reviews by Buchanan-Smith, 2012;Sodaro, 1999). Therefore, it is important that groups are monitored carefully to ensure that interspecific aggression does not prove to be detrimental to the welfare of the animals (Buchanan-Smith, 2012;Buchanan-Smith et al, 2013;Dalton & Buchanan-Smith, 2005).…”

Abduction and potential case of predation of an infant howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) by a tufted capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus)

“…However, a long-term study conducted at three different Costa Rican field sites reported several agonistic interactions between white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) and mantled howlers (Alouatta palliata) and, in these cases, almost all of the aggressive behaviours were directed by the capuchins towards the howlers (Rose et al 2003). The authors argue that capuchins are more likely to engage in interspecific aggressive behaviours as a result of their pugnacious temperament, a statement which was recently supported by a captive study on mixed-species communities of tufted capuchins (Sapajus apella) and common squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) (Buchanan-Smith et al 2013).…”