Submitted by Reginaldo Soares de Freitas (reginaldo.freitas@ufv.br) on 2018-04-09T18:01:14Z No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 474132 bytes, checksum: 4c75935db019858faf3ad72a924e70de (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-04-09T18:01:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 474132 bytes, checksum: 4c75935db019858faf3ad72a924e70de (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-05-25 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / A presença de animais silvestres em área urbana está se tornando cada vez mais comum e devido à alterações no habitat, muitas espécies vivem em pequenas populações com variados graus de isolamento. A interferência antrópica no ambiente deixa os animais mais vulneráveis e facilita o surgimento de doenças. As análises dos constituintes do sangue e os valores dos parâmetros bioquímicos são ferramentas importantes no diagnóstico de doenças, permitindo avaliar o estado de saúde do animal, mesmo antes do aparecimento de sintomas. Considerando a escassez de dados para a espécie em questão e a necessidade de estabelecer valores que possam contribuir com estudos futuros, o presente estudo tem como objetivo apresentar o valores hematológicos e bioquímicos de saguis de vida livre da espécie Callithrix geoffroyi em diferentes áreas urbanas e peri-urbanas no estado do Espírito Santo. O estudo foi conduzido nos municípios de Vitória, Cariacica e Vila Velha, pertencentes à região metropolitana da grande Vitória. Foram coletados sangue de 30 indivíduos da espécie C. Geoffroyi, em seis diferentes localidades. Adultos foram significativamente mais pesados quando comparados aos jovens. Quanto a análise celular sanguínea, não foram observadas diferenças entre machos e fêmeas, sendo que jovens e adultos diferiram para eritrócitos, hemoglobina e plaquetas, reflexo de uma maior massa muscular de adultos e uma maior sensibilidade de jovens a homeostase hídrica. Quanto aos parâmetros bioquímicos, machos e fêmeas diferiram quanto ao colesterol, AST e globulinas. Estes parâmetros estão dentro da faixa descrita para a espécie e variações podem advir de diferenças na dieta, na função hepática e de infecções. Jovens e adultos diferiram quanto aos valores de proteínas totais, sendo pouco claro os prováveis motivos para este achado. Em relação aos locais de coleta, diferenças significativas foram descritas tanto para parâmetros morfométricos (IMC) quanto para os parâmetros bioquímicos (ALT, uréia, creatinina e glicose) e celulares sanguíneos (CHCM, segmentados, linfócitos e monócitos), sendo que estes parecem estar associados às variações nas condições ambientais, fisiológicas e nutricionais. Apesar deste estudo ter identificado diferenças significativas para alguns dos parâmetros analisados, todos os animais apresentaram-se saudáveis e os valores se assemelham aos apresentados para outras espécies do gênero Callithrix. Um maior número de estudos sobre as mudanças na estrutura e ecologia de comunidades, sobre o comportamento e sobre os fatores que permitem maior resiliência de espécies em áreas urbanas e peri-urbanas, além da análise nutricional dos alimentos comumente consumidos poderão auxiliar na compreensão sobre como a aproximação entre humanos e saguis tem interferido nos hábitos e na saúde desta espécie. / The presence of wild animals in urban areas is becoming increasingly common and due to changes in habitat, many species live in small populations with varying degrees of isolation. Anthropogenic interference in the environment leaves animals more vulnerable and facilitates the onset of disease. Analyzes of blood constituents and biochemical parameters are important tools in the diagnosis of diseases, allowing the evaluation of the health status of the animal, even before the appearance of symptoms. Considering the scarcity of data for the species in question and the need to establish values that may contribute to future studies, the present study aims to present the hematological and biochemical values of free- living marmosets of Callithrix geoffroyi in different áreas urban and peri-urban in the state of Espírito Santo. The study was conducted in the municipalities of Vitória, Cariacica and Vila Velha, belonging to the greater Vitória metropolitan region. Blood samples were collected from 30 C. geoffroyi species in six different locations. Adults were significantly heavier when compared to young marmosets. Regarding blood cellular analysis, no differences were observed between males and females, and young and adult differed for erythrocytes, hemoglobin and platelets, reflecting a greater muscular mass of adults and a greater sensitivity of young people to water homeostasis. Regarding the biochemical parameters, males and females differed for cholesterol, AST and globulins. These parameters are within the range described for the species and variations may arise from differences in diet, liver function and infections. Young and adults marmosets differed in total protein values, and the probable reasons for this finding were unclear. Regarding the collection sites, significant differences were described for both morphometric parameters (IMC) and biochemical parameters (ALT, urea, creatinine and glucose) and blood cells (CHCM, segmented, lymphocytes and monocytes). Associated with variations in environmental, physiological and nutritional conditions. Although this study identified significant differences for some of the analyzed parameters, all the animals were healthy and the values are similar to those presented for other species of Callithrix genus. A larger number of studies on changes in community structure and ecology, behavior and factors that allow species resilience in urban and peri-urban areas, and nutritional analysis of commonly consumed foods may help in understanding how the approach between humans and marmosets has interfered in the habits and health of this species.

This project arose because of the desire by the resident Ateles research observers, at Santa Rosa, to attempt to ascertain a function for what they deemed ‘uncharacteristic’ behaviours. The following were important considerations meriting further investigation. • Phoradendron (mistletoe) consumption by Ateles spp. appeared to be present only at Santa Rosa; • Mistletoe selection was considered deliberate, as mature host leaf (which was available) was not selected; • More than one mistletoe was available in the normal home range of the monkey, but selection was dominated by one mistletoe/host combination; • Consumption was of relatively small volumes; • There was an apparent seasonality to the use of mistletoe; • Consumption of mature, mistletoe leaf occurred at times when there was no shortage of suitable fruit; • Limitations of the Ateles spp. digestive system made exploitation of mature leaf potentially problematic; • The monkeys were also seen consuming geophageous material; on occasion, this closely followed mistletoe consumption; • There were no published reports of Ateles spp. geophagy in Central America and/or tropical dry forest habitat. The aim of the subsequent investigation was to determine if there was any beneficial function that could be attributed to the materials and so provide a link to a self-mediation hypothesis for mistletoe and/or geophagy or to relate the determined geophagy properties to the other published functional hypotheses for geophagy. The novel aspect of this project was the development of a specific ‘gastric model’ reflecting the differences between Ateles and human digestive systems. This modified model was used to investigate geophagic and Phoradendron samples. It was hoped that this approach would lead to the identification or constituents in the samples, which may have physiological significance. Samples of the two species of mistletoe identified were collected from three Phoradendron/host tree combinations. Samples were extracted using the simulated gastric conditions and the extracts analysed. Analytical ‘fingerprints’ of the gastric extracts of the two species were obtained together with the antimicrobial activities of the extracts. Species variation in Phoradendron constituents and antimicrobial activity was detected. The principal difference between the eaten and non-eaten Phoradendron species was identified using HPLC and LC-MS, as chlorogenic acid. Chlorogenic acid has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, stimulates the immune system and has activities related to regulation of blood sugar levels. Phoradendron consumption wass during the wet season, which may be a period of increased bacterial and parasite infection. It also coincides with a change in dietary fruits. The geophagic samples were taken from sites previously used by Ateles, together with ‘control’ sites found in the home range of the study group. Analysis of the physical properties and characteristics was undertaken to attempt to identify the mineral content material. Further analyses then investigated the behaviour of the material in relation to the commonly accepted hypotheses for geophagy. Where possible these were investigated using the simulated gastric conditions. The physical characteristics of the samples did not resemble the previously published reports for geophagic material used by humans or non-human primates. The results failed to detect the presence of montmorillonite and only a suggestion of the presence of kaolinite. The results do not suggest that it functions as an antacid, an anti-diarrhoeal or mineral supplement. An increase in antibacterial activity was seen when geophagic material and Phoradendron samples were incubated together. A putative hypothesis for the mechanism of Fe limitation was suggested by the physical properties of the geophagic material and the Fe chelating potential of the chemical constituents of the Phoradendron leaf.

The first study on Ateles geoffroyi in Honduras, this research focused on the population of spider monkeys in Parque Nacional Pico Bonito, Atlántida, Honduras. Subgroup size of spider monkeys in Parque Nacional Pico Bonito ranged from 1-23 (n=55) individuals, with a mean subgroup size of 6.93 ± 4.53 individuals, which was larger than nearly all subgroup sizes reported in Central and South America. Mean subgroup composition consisted of 1.65 ± 1.16 adult males, 2.67 ± 1.69 adult females and 1.75 ± 1.92 juveniles. Sex ratio of adult males to adult females was 1:1.62, which was consistent with most Central and South American Ateles studies in the literature.¶ Of a possible 23 identified food tree species from 15 families, and 7 unidentified tree and vine species, spider monkeys were confirmed to consume fruits, leaves and/or seeds from 8 identified tree species, 1 unidentified tree species, and 1 unidentified vine species. Several of the confirmed genera consumed by Ateles in Parque Nacional Pico Bonito were consistent with other studies conducted in Central and South America, including Dialium, Ficus, and Coccoloba.¶ Combining pelage analysis and discriminant analysis of cranial and dental measurements from 140 skins and 253 adult crania, the taxonomy of the Central American Ateles geoffroyi was revised to recognize the taxa Ateles geoffroyi yucatanensis, A. g. vellerosus, A. g. pan, A. g. geoffroyi, A. g. frontatus, A. g. ornatus, and A. g. grisescens, with the recognition of a potential new taxon from northern Honduras, resulting in a revised distribution of Ateles geoffroyi, based on the pelage and cranial analyses.

Studies on taste perception in nonhuman primates contribute to the understanding of the evolution of the sense of taste. To assess the responsiveness of four adult spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) to a set of substances perceived as sweet by humans, two-bottle preference tests were performed to determine taste preference thresholds, and taste-induced facial responses were analyzed. The spider monkeys displayed a significant preference for concentrations as low as 0.2-1 mM acesulfame K, 0.002-0.5 mM alitame, 10-20 mM isomalt, 0.002-0.5 mM sodium saccharin, 2-20 mM galactose and 20-50 mM sorbitol over water. The spider monkeys were generally unable to perceive aspartame and, based on their facial responses, probably do not perceive it as sweet. Thaumatin and monellin were not detected, and most likely neither was the sweetness of sodium cyclamate. Sodium saccharine and sodium cyclamate were rejected at high concentrations by at least one monkey, which is congruent with the perception of a bitter side taste as reported in humans. A significant correlation was found between the ranking order of sweetening potency for the different substances of spider monkeys and humans, but not between spider monkeys and chimpanzees. The results suggest that spider monkeys may be generally more sensitive than chimpanzees and at least as sensitive as humans to the tested substances, supporting the notion that high sensitivity to sweet taste may be associated with a frugivorous dietary specialization. The lack of responsiveness to some of the substances supports the notion of a dichotomy in sweet-taste perception between platyrrhine and catarrhine primates.

Establishing baseline activity budgets for zoo-housed captive animals can be important in tracking behavior changes that may indicate medical or other concerns, as well as assessing overall welfare and the need for implementation of interventions such as increased amounts of enrichment. This study sought to calculate activity budgets for the current spider monkeys residing at the Central Florida Zoo, a father-daughter pair of Ateles geoffroyi. Having a baseline activity budget is also valuable because major changes in behavior may accompany the upcoming introduction of new individuals to this particular group of spider monkeys. BORIS behavior coding software was used to log behavior continuously over 58.3 hours of observation. The individuals in this zoo setting spent significantly more time stationary (resting or still and awake) and less time engaged in feeding behavior than wild spider monkeys. However, they spent as much or more of their time moving than Ateles species in natural settings. Temperature and exhibit renovation had minimal to no observed effects on activity budgets. Human presence usually has the effect of increasing activity and vigilance of animals while decreasing resting time, but on busier days at the zoo, one subject (a pet-reared male spider monkey) spent more time resting and less time moving than when there were fewer zoo visitors. No aggression was observed, but affiliative social behavior like allogrooming and embracing was observed infrequently. The study animals appeared to lack the bimodal pattern of activity (with activity peaking early and late in the day) common in wild spider monkeys, a finding that is consistent with activity budgets of other spider monkeys that are frequently exposed to humans. Time of day affected activity budgets to a small degree; the monkeys became more active later in the day and spent more time resting in the morning.

There is little knowledge about olfactory learning in primates, even though primates are known to use olfaction in several behaviors including food selection and territorial defense. Therefore I assessed the olfactory learning and memory performance in five adult spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) using a food-rewarded two-choice olfactory discrimination paradigm. The spider monkeys acquired the initial odor discrimination in 530-1102 trials and in a series of intramodal transfer tasks they needed 30-510 trials to reach the learning criterion. There was a significant negative correlation between the number of trials needed to reach the learning criterion and the number of transfer tasks completed. Thus, as a group, the animals displayed olfactory learning set formation. The number of trials that the spider monkeys needed in initial olfactory learning was comparable to that of other primate species tested previously but higher compared to that of other mammals such as dogs and rats. The learning speed of the spider monkeys in intramodal transfer tasks was similar to that of other mammals tested, suggesting that primates are less prepared to use olfactory cues in the initial solving of a problem but that once they learn the concept, their learning speed with novel odor discrimination problems is not generally slower than that of non-primate mammals. All spider monkeys tested reached the learning criterion in the memory tasks straight on the first testing day, that is: within 30 trials, suggesting similar long-term odor memory capabilities in spider monkeys and other mammals such as dogs, mice and rats.

Primates have traditionally been viewed as having a poorly developed sense of smell. However, in recent years, studies have shown that at least some primate species use olfaction in a number of behaviors, and that they have a high olfactory sensitivity for various chemical classes of odorants. Using a two-choice instrumental conditioning paradigm, the present study assessed olfactor ydetection thresholds of three spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) for eight aliphatic alcohols and aldehydes, known as "green odors". With all odorants, the animals detected concentrations below 1 parts per million, with single individuals performing even better. The type of functional group present systematically affected olfactory detection thresholds, whereas the presence, position and configuration of a double bond did not. Compared to previously tested classes of odorants, thespider monkeys were not particularly sensitive to "green odors". Furthermore, they are lesssensitive for "green odors" compared to humans and mice. The present results suggest that neuroanatomical and genetic comparisons across species are poor predictors of olfactory sensitivity.

No description available.