PSGB Winter Meeting 1998

PRIMATE SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN

WINTER MEETING

THE MEETING ROOMS, ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON

REGENTS PARK

Contributions of Zoos to Primate Biology and Conservation

0915-0950 Registration

0950-1000 Opening remarks

Chair: Miranda Stevenson

1000-1020 Conservation Biology of Primates: the role of zoos.
Anna Feistner, JWPT

1020-1040 Pan Politics – a social orgy or occupational therapy??
Alison Ames, Jim Cronin and Jeremy Keeling, Monkey World, Dorset.

1040-1100 ChimpanZoo – a Jane Goodhall Institute programme for research, enrichment and education.
Sonya Hill, University of Durham

1100-1130 COFFEE

Chair: Bryan Carroll

1130-1150 Exercising the mind and body: environmental enrichment for primates at Edinburgh Zoo.
Graham Catlow, Edinburgh Zoo

1150-1210 Unravelling the behaviour of mixed-species tamarin groups: the role of Belfast Zoo.
Scott M Hardie¹, Hannah Buchanan-Smith² and Mark J. Prescott^{2. 1}=SPRG, University of Abertay, ²=SPRG University of Stirling.

1210-1230 Cognitive enrichment in captive spider monkeys.
Pam Citrynell, University of Exeter

1230 PSGB AGM FOLLOWED BY LUNCH

Chair: Hannah Buchanan-Smith

1400-1420 The role of zoos in the study of cognitive abilities in primates.
Josep Call, University of Liverpool

1420-1440 The Antwerp in-situ and ex-situ Bonobo Project: a review of the symbiosis between zoo biology, management and wildlife research.
Linda Van Elsacker, Antwerp Zoo

1440-1500 Managing the international studbook for golden-headed lion tamarins: being one of the links in an in-situ , ex-situ conservation partnership for Leontopithecus.
Kristin Leus, Antwerp Zoo

15.00-15.20 Zoos: Leading the way in implementing environmental enrichment.
Rob Young, De Montfort University

15.20-15.50 TEA

Chair: Phyllis Lee

1550-1650 The origin of our species.
Osman Hill Memorial Lecture given by Prof. Christopher Stringer, The Natural History Museum

1650 General Discussion followed by poster session and wine reception.

For more information please contact:

Dr. Miranda Stevenson
Marwell Zoological Park
Colden Common
Winchester, Hants SO21 1JH
England, U.K.

Tel: 01962 777407
Fax: 01962 777511

E-mail: mirandast@email.msn.com

Please note: No pre-registration required. Registration fees (to be paid at door are):

Post-graduate and Undergraduate Student Society members

FREE

Full and Associate Society members and students who are non-Society members

£2.00

Non-Society members

£5.00

Car-parking tickets will be available on the registration desk at a reduced price of £3.50 for the day. Anyone wishing to purchase a ticket in advance should send a cheque made payable to "PSGB", and enclosing a stamped addressed envelope to: Dr. Hannah Buchanan-Smith, Hon. Secretary, PSGB, Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland.

PSGB Winter Meeting 1998 - Abstracts

The changing role of zoos is well illustrated by their work with primates. Thus for the winter meeting PSGB decided to focus on the important and innovative work that zoos are currently carrying out with primates. The papers presented at the meeting will illustrate some of this work, recent changes in captive management techniques, co-operative work between zoos and research institutions and the increasingly important linking of in-situ and ex-situ work relating to primate conservation.

CONSERVATION BIOLOGY OF PRIMATES: THE ROLE OF ZOOS

Anna T.C. Feistner, Research Department, Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, Les AugrËs Manor, Trinity, Jersey JE3 5BP, Channel Islands.

Conservation biology is a multidisciplinary science that has developed to deal with the crisis confronting biological diversity. It has two main goals: 1) to investigate human impact on biological diversity; and 2) to develop practical approaches to preventing extinction. In the context of primates this means investigating our impact on primate diversity and working to prevent primate extinctions. The World Zoo Conservation Strategy has defined the objectives of zoos as: 1) to be actively involved in the conservation of endangered species both in and ex situ; 2) to offer support and facilities for increasing scientific knowledge that will benefit conservation; and 3) to promote increased public and political awareness about the importance of conservation. In short zoos aim to 'do' conservation, research and education. They thus have a major role to play, especially in the more applied aspects of conservation biology - helping prevent extinction. A primate species recovery programme may involve elements of the following: field research, habitat management, wild population management, education, community participation, captive breeding, research on captive animals, professional training, and partnership agreements - and zoos have a role to play in all of these. In addition, because of their interface with the general public, zoos have the potential to raise funds for conservation activities. Examples of the ways in which zoos are contributing to the conservation biology of a whole range of endangered primates from various parts of the world will be given.

PAN POLITICS – A SOCIAL ORGY OR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

Alison Aimes, Jim Cronin and Jeremy Keelling, Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6HH.

In June 1997 Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre embarked upon the largest introduction of chimpanzees in its history; 23 individuals. Prior to the introduction, one group of 16, ranging in age from 5-35, occupied a two-acre natural paddock with access to two gymnasia six indoor play areas and 10 individual bedrooms . The eldest male Rodney, who had an alliance with another adult male, Charlie, dominated this group. Together they governed a group of four dominant adult females, nine subadults (2.7), and one young female. All 16 animals were unrelated, having been rescued from beach photographers in Spain, a laboratory in France, a Greek circus and as the result of a UK zoo closure. The group of seven occupied a two acre enclosure and one indoor play area with three bedrooms. An adult male, Paddy, approximately 18 years old, governed this group. The rest of the group was of a similar age and comprised of three males and three females, all were unrelated and rescued from beach photographers in Spain. The introduction was undertaken for two main reasons. First Rodney's authority was being challenged by the dominant group of females, it appeared that soon he would be deposed, and there were no other candidates to fill his position; we believe Paddy will take over the new group of 23 animals. Secondly, in terms of welfare/occupational therapy, by bringing the groups together through a tunnel connecting the indoor play areas, the newly formed group will be able to come together and separate into distinct sub-groups as is documented in the wild. The initial introduction took a period of two days, with special considerations made for the order and location of introductions between specific individuals as related to their background. Currently this is an ongoing project.

EXERCISING THE MIND AND BODY - ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT FOR PRIMATES AT EDINBURGH ZOO.

Graham Catlow, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh EH12 6TS.

The aim of environmental enrichment is to provide a stimulating and `naturalistic' captive environment that will exercise the mind and body, (Catlow et. al. 1998). Environmental enrichment is a part of good management and husbandry, and is essential for providing quality animal welfare. This presentation will give a brief outline of three areas of primate husbandry, social, food presentation, and environmental design, and illustrates the enrichment techniques employed at Edinburgh Zoo. The social aspect will look at species specific social structures, the effects of single species neighbouring groups, and mixed species exhibits. The presentation of food is a diverse part of daily procedures, and is the main focus of many enrichment techniques. This part of the presentation will show how we encourage natural behaviours, such as foraging, and stimulate primates' naturally inquisitive minds with food presentation devices. Environmental design, should be species specific, with the needs of the animals being paramount. The creation of truly natural enclosures is rarely possible in captivity, but naturalistic aspects can be incorporated into the captive environment, to encourage natural and normal behaviours.

Reference:

Catlow, G. Dickie, L.A. Nicoll, L. Environmental Enrichment of Old World Monkeys, New World Monkeys, (excluding Callitrichids), and Diurnal Lemurs. In Enrichment Guidelines. ABWAK. 1998.

UNRAVELLING THE BEHAVIOUR OF MIXED-SPECIES TAMARIN GROUPS: THE ROLE OF BELFAST ZOO.

Scott M. Hardie¹, Hannah M. Buchanan-Smith² and Mark J. Prescott^{2 1}SPRG, Division of Psychology, University of Abertay Dundee, Marketgait House,

DD1 1NJ ²SPRG, Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA

The saddle-backed tamarin (Saguinus fuscicollis) forms stable and permanent mixed-species groups with three other tamarin species with which it lives sympatrically. Since 1992, we have pursued a study of the dynamics of one such association, that between the saddle-backed and red-bellied tamarin (S. labiatus). Belfast Zoological Gardens, Northern Ireland, has been at the centre of our project. We have been furnished with an unparalleled situation, which we believe to be a model for the role that zoos can play in the advancement of primate biology. The zoo has provided us with a free range area and enclosures off-exhibit to the public for uninterrupted data collection, and a large sample size of both study species which it has maintained for the last 6 years. We have studied the behaviour of both single and mixed-species groups, to answer questions about the relative costs and benefits of forming associations. To date, the main areas of investigation have included free-ranging groups, dominance relations and feeding competition, use of space, cross-species social learning, optimal foraging, vigilance behaviour and responses to novelty. Our results suggest that the potential costs and benefits of forming such groups differ between the species, and may be heavily dependent upon the effects of selection pressures such as predation and efficient foraging. Apart from the superb facilities and generous support from Belfast Zoo, this project illustrates another vital role that modern zoos can contribute to research, namely allowing the opportunity to test hypotheses in controlled conditions. The nature of the project is cyclic; predictions derived from observations in the wild are empirically tested and refined in the controlled captive environment, which allows the generation of more specific hypotheses to be examined in the wild. This dual approach has increased our understanding of why tamarins form mixed-species groups.

COGNITIVE ENRICHMENT: PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITIES OF CAPTIVE WHITE-BELLIED SPIDER MONKEYS.

Pamela Citrynell. Department of Psychology, University of Exeter Washington Singer Laboratories, Perry Road, Exeter EX4 4QG

The influence a puzzle box feeder, as a cognitive enrichment device on the activity and behaviour patterns of a population of four White-bellied Spider monkeys (Ateles belzebuth belzebuth) was studied at Bristol Zoo. There were marked differences in time spent within their indoor enclosure after the introduction of the puzzle box across for all four animals. Both females spent approximately half as much recorded time in the house during the condition with the puzzle box as they did in the baseline condition. The two females were the only ones out of the four that could solve the puzzle with the oldest being able to solve the most difficult aspects of the device. Both the adult and juvenile males showed considerable interest in the feeder but were, at the time the experiment ended, unable to solve the simplest part of the task. The differences of behaviour in relation to the three conditions were highly individual.

This research has shown that this species of spider monkey are capable of solving and remembering the sequencing of difficult cognitive tasks without the need for training or prompting other than the food reward upon solution. Although it is not a task their species would encounter in their natural environment they were able to adjust to and meet its specific physical and mental requirements. This fact therefore rules out any instinctual possibilities, thus being a task that required the development of a new cognitive strategy. The results are discussed in relation to cognitive needs and capabilities of the species. It is suggested that the use of appropriate puzzle feeders can improve the welfare of these animals.

THE ROLE OF ZOOS IN THE STUDY OF COGNITIVE ABILITIES IN PRIMATES.

Josep Call. School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX

Captivity imposes important restrictions on the natural behaviour of primates. The space available is reduced, food distribution is altered, and group compositions do not always recreate those found in wild populations. In recent years, zoos have become more sensitive to the needs of captive primates and have gradually progressed toward providing suitable captive environments. In general, three phases of progress can be distinguished. First, zoos modified their housing and feeding practices. For instance, a number of zoos now scatter food on the primates enclosures or use special foraging devices (e.g., artificial termite mound) to stimulate individuals to search for their food. Second, zoos started evaluating their enrichment programs by studying the impact of those changes on the behaviour of captive animals. Finally, more recently zoos are beginning to conduct cognitive research in order to assess the psychological needs of the various species which they house. Information on the cognitive capacities of various species is a very valuable tool for designing suitable enrichment programs. In order to assess the state of affairs of this last phase, we investigated the relative impact of cognitive research conducted at zoos and compared it to that produced in laboratories and field sites. A literature search was conducted of ten scientific journals covering anthropological, zoological, and psychological research over the last ten years. Preliminary results indicate that laboratories affiliated to universities produced most of the research in primate cognition followed by studies in the wild and studies in zoo settings. Although research produced in zoos only accounted for approximately 15% of the studies there was an encouraging increase in the number of studies in the last few years. One of the distinguishing features of zoo research was the use of a wider range of species than those used in laboratory studies. This means that zoos can play a major role in developing a comprehensive database of the cognitive abilities in primates. This extensive database could then be used to design specific enrichment programs to promote the psychological well-being of particular primate species by stimulating more natural behavioural patterns and providing an environment that is sufficiently rich and challenging.

THE IN-SITU AND EX-SITU BONOBO PROJECT OF THE RZSA: A REVIEW OF THE SYMBIOSIS BETWEEN ZOO BIOLOGY, MANAGEMENT AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH.

Linda Van Elsacker. Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Leuvensesteenweg 582, 2812 Mechelen (Muizen), Antwerp.

Using the bonobo project (Pan paniscus) of the RZSA founded in 1992 (ex-situ / Wild Animal Parc Planckendael) and in 1994 (in-situ / Iyeme, Congo) we want to illustrate that zoos and animal parks are no longer institutions that solely manage and exhibit collections of wild animals, but rather that, through these activities, they function to promote, either directly or indirectly, species and habitat conservation. We will show that the three main areas in which zoos can function to reach these conservation objectives are represented in the bonobo project and that research is an important component in all of them.

Direct conservation oriented activities that relate to the needs of the local human populations as well as the threats to the wildlife in general are performed as part of our filed research project. More particularly we refer to an agriculture program. Indirectly, through the coordination of the captive breeding programme, the RZA aims at reaching an ex-situ buffer-population, in which as much of the original genetic material as possible is retained. (2) Through collaborative actions with scientific institutions and universities, techniques have been developed to non-invasively monitor the endocrine status as well as determine paternity. This expertise is essential for the effective management of the captive population as well as that in the wild. (3) The promotion and increase of public awareness of the necessity for conservation is tackled at different levels. In collaboration with the Flemish Federal Government a bonbo-box was developed that is used as an alternative source of information on topics to be taught in biology courses in schools. At the same time class can submerge in an Africa experience, including a visit to a replica of our field-site, at the Wild Animal Parc. This approach also provides us with an additional enrichment factor for visitors which results in a better understanding of our Zoo operations.

MANAGING THE INTERNATIONAL STUDBOOK FOR GOLDEN-HEADED LION TAMARINS: BEING ONE OF THE LINKS IN AN IN-SITU, EX-SITU CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP FOR LEONTOPITHECUS.

Kristin Leus. Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Leuvensesteenweg 582, 2812 Mechelen (Muizen), Antwerp.

The lion tamarin conservation breeding programs are excellent examples of a close working partnership between in-situ and ex-situ efforts for the protection of a species and its habitat. For the lion tamarins, the key to this success probably lies with the International Recovery and Management Committees (IRMCs), “multidisciplinary partnerships between the Brazilian government, non-governmental organisations and individuals” (Kleiman and Mallinson, 1998). These committees act as technical advisers to the Brazilian government and ensure that the various conservation activities of the different individuals and institutions involved are as focused and as integrated as possible. Using the golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) as an example, this paper will briefly illustrate the structure and functioning of these IRMCs and how the studbook keeper and the zoos play a role in this process.

For example, the way in which a studbook is being managed largely depends on the genetic and demographic goals assumed for the species. This, in turn, depends on the status of the population in the wild and what is needed for the protection of the species and its habitat. Through the IRMCs, it is possible to continuously update and refine these goals for the captive population. In addition, because the wild populations of lion tamarins are so small and highly fragmented, experiences with, and studies carried out on, the captive populations are often directly applicable to situations in the wild.

Reference

Kleiman, D.G. and Mallinson, J.J.C. (1998) Recovery and Management Committees for Lion Tamarins: Partnerships in Conservation Planning and Implementation. Conservation Biology 12:27-38.

ZOOS: LEADING THE WAY IN IMPLEMENTING ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT.

Robert J. Young, School of Agriculture, De Montfort University, Caythorpe, Lincolnshire, NG32 3EP.

The value of zoos to improving the welfare of captive animals, and particularly primates, has often been overlooked by the animal welfare scientific community. This reflects the fact that funding for research into animal welfare is almost exclusively directed a farm animal welfare. However, zoos have not only contributed to our scientific understand of animal welfare but lead the world in the implementation of welfare friendly housing and husbandry systems for captive animals. The principal area in which zoos lead the way is in the scientific evaluation and application of environmental enrichment (the creation of welfare friendly environment). In this paper I shall review the contributions that zoo-based studies involving primates have improved the quality of life experienced by captive primates. I will also outline what I consider to be the future role of zoos in the promotion, assessment and scientific evaluation of environmental enrichment.

The Osman Hill Memorial Lecture

THE ORIGIN OF OUR SPECIES. Prof. Christopher Stringer, Dept of Palaeontology, The Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD.

The last ten years have seen the "Out of Africa" model move from a minority position to one of predominance in discussions about modern human origins. Genetic data have undoubtedly provided the main impetus for this shift, but the fossil and archaeological data have recently re-emerged in importance as independent sources of information for calibrating population divergences and first colonisations. New research has moved us from the original proposal of a single "Out of Africa" dispersal to consideration of multiple dispersals, and even "Back into Africa" events. Additionally, assumptions behind many of the genetic analyses are under continuing scrutiny, for example, in claims that consideration of a larger Pleistocene population. size in Africa compromises much of the supposed support for "Out of Africa". These problems, as well as recent progress, will be reviewed.