Temperament traits in captive non-human primates and the potential consequences on reproductive success.

• Main Author: Lim, Mandy Yu Theng.
• Other Authors: School of Biological Sciences
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/49430
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Temperament traits in non-human primates have received increasing attention due to its potential contribution to fitness. Temperament differences may determine which species are better adapted for captivity, and in turn contribute to considerations for the improvement of animal welfare and management in captive conditions. We investigated two temperament traits, boldness and exploration, by measuring behavioral responses toward a human observer and a novel object respectively. The relationship between the two traits and reproductive success was also examined. The subjects of this study were 17 primate species from three families: Callitrichidae, Cebidae, and Cercopithecidae. Results showed that species from Cebidae were boldest, followed by Callitrichidae, and Cercopithecidae. Emperor tamarins were the boldest, and purple-faced leaf monkeys the least bold. Significant differences in exploration were found between species but not family groups. Emperor tamarins were the most exploratory Callitrichid monkeys. Species from Cercopithecinae were more exploratory than species from Colobinae. Our findings contradicted evidence from previous studies that large-bodied primates were generally bolder than small-bodied primates. Positive correlations were found between boldness/exploration and some indices of reproductive success, with bolder and more exploratory primates exhibiting higher reproductive rates. They are likely to adapt and have better chances of reproductive success in captivity.