Potential applications of personality assessments to the management of non-human primates: a review of 10 years of study

Abstract

Studies of primate personality have become increasingly common over the past three decades. Recently, studies have begun to focus on the health, welfare and conservation implications of personality, and the potential applications of incorporating quantitative personality assessments into animal management programmes. However, this literature is dispersed across a multitude of settings and scientific disciplines. We conducted a review of nonhuman primate personality studies relevant to these issues published since 2010, following on from an earlier review. The databases ScienceDirect, PubMed and Web of Science were used to identify relevant articles. After eliminating irrelevant or duplicate papers, 69 studies were selected. Our review reveals that, while primate personality research is carried out on a range of species, there is strong taxonomic bias. While 28 species appeared within the reviewed literature, 52% of studies were carried out on just five species. Further, the most common research focus (43%) was validating new assessment methods or describing personality in different species, rather than exploring the links between personality and animal welfare using existing validated methods. However, among the remaining studies that did explore the role of animal personality in husbandry, health, and welfare, we identified progression towards integrating personality data into various aspects of animal management. Evidence suggests the assessment of personality may benefit social group management, enrichment practices, training protocols, health and welfare monitoring, and conservation planning for endangered species. We argue that further research which develops our understanding of primate personality and its influence in these areas will provide a valuable tool to inform animal management practices.

Linking personality traits and reproductive success in common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

“…To evaluate personality structure, Koski et al 40 employed a trait rating method. Trait rating, beside experimental and common behaviour coding, is one of the commonly used methods of personality evaluation in primates 73 in which experienced raters score the individuals, based on cumulative knowledge of their behaviour, on a set of predefined adjectives accompanied by a short description in a questionnaire. Raters assess the degree (from minimum to maximum) to which the individuals express the trait 43 .…”

Testing for personality consistency across naturally occurring behavioral contexts in sanctuary chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

“…The use of personality‐based approaches, such as the one developed in this study, has the potential to benefit conservation programs and help better understand great apes in rehabilitation centers (Rocque et al, 2022 ; Russon, 2006 ). Specifically, by focusing on individual differences, wildlife authorities in rehabilitation centers could, along with other considerations for their decision‐making, better identify the best candidates to ensure more successful releases in the wild (Norman et al, 2021 ; Rocque et al, 2022 ).…”

The relationship between personality, season, and wounding receipt in zoo‐housed Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata): A multi‐institutional study

“…Robinson et al (2018) did not examine the role of season on wounding and did not find an overall effect of Openness. Furthermore, it is difficult to directly compare our study with that of Robinson et al (2018) Personality data can serve as a tool for staff managing captive populations in a number of ways and can be beneficial when creating individualized management plans (Norman et al, 2021). Observer ratings are fairly easy to obtain, noninvasive, and contribute to a comprehensive view of an animal's life and welfare status (Meagher, 2009;Wemelsfelder, 2007;Whitham and Wielebnowski, 2009).…”