A new approach to geostatistical synthesis of historical records reveals capuchin spatial responses to climate and demographic change.

Recent proliferation of GPS technology has transformed animal movement research. Yet, time-series data from this recent technology rarely span beyond a decade, constraining longitudinal research. Long-term field sites hold valuable historic animal location records, including hand-drawn maps and semantic descriptions. Here, we introduce a generalised workflow for converting such records into reliable location data to estimate home ranges, using 30 years of sleep-site data from 11 white-faced capuchin (Cebus imitator) groups in Costa Rica. Our findings illustrate that historic sleep locations can reliably recover home range size and geometry. We showcase the opportunity our approach presents to resolve open questions that can only be addressed with very long-term data, examining how home ranges are affected by climate cycles and demographic change. We urge researchers to translate historical records into usable movement data before this knowledge is lost; it is essential to understanding how animals are responding to our changing world.

Taphonomy of harpy eagle predation on primates and other mammals.

The goal of this study is to provide a taphonomic analysis of bone fragments found in harpy eagle nests in the Brazilian Amazonia, utilizing the largest sample of prey remains collected to date. Harpy eagle kill samples were collected from nine nests, between June 2016 and December 2020 in Mato Grosso, Brazil. We identified the specimens, calculated the number of identified specimens (NISP) and minimum number of individuals (MNI). These metrics were used to estimate bone survivability and fragmentation. A total of 1661 specimens (NISP) were collected, representing a minimum number of 234 individuals (MNI). We identified at least nine species of primates, which represent 63.8% of the individuals in the kill sample. Harpy eagles preyed mostly on the medium-sized capuchin and bearded saki monkeys (28.2% of the MNI), and two-toed sloths (17.7% of the MNI). The large woolly monkeys also represented a significant portion of the sample (11.5% of the MNI). Three distinct patterns of bone survivability were found, one characterizing two-toed sloths, another characterizing medium-sized monkeys, and a third typical of woolly monkeys. We conclude that harpy eagle predation leaves an identifiable signature on the prey with a bone survivability pattern specific to each taxon. The intertaxon variations observed in the taphonomic signatures of harpy eagle kills should be taken into account when evaluating the potential influence of these raptors as accumulators of bone material in both paleontological and neontological assemblages.

Are demographic correlates of white-faced capuchin monkey (Cebus capucinus) "Gargle and Twargle" vocalization rates consistent with the infanticide risk assessment hypothesis?

Zahavi's "Bond Testing Hypothesis" states that irritating stimuli are used to elicit honest information from social partners regarding their attitudes towards the relationship. Two elements of the Cebus capucinus vocal repertoire, the "gargle" and "twargle," have been hypothesized to serve such a bond-testing function. The greatest threat to C. capucinus infant survival, and to adult female reproductive success, is infanticide perpetrated by alpha males. Thus, we predicted that infants (<8 months), pregnant females and females with infants would gargle/twargle at higher rates than the rest of the population, directing these vocalizations primarily to the alpha male. Over 16 years, researchers collected data via focal follows in 11 habituated groups of wild capuchins in Lomas Barbudal, Costa Rica. We found some support for our hypothesis. Infants and females with infants (<8 months) vocalized at higher rates than the rest of the population. Pregnant females did not vocalize at relatively high rates. Infants (age 8-23 months) were the only target group that vocalized more when the alpha male was not their father. Monkeys gargled and twargled most frequently towards the alpha male, who is both the perpetrator of infanticide and the most effective protector against potentially infanticidal males.

Female-committed infanticide followed by juvenile-enacted cannibalism in wild white-faced capuchins.

On 5 February 2021, we observed the first instance of female-committed infanticide followed by cannibalism in a long-studied (> 35 years) population of wild white-faced capuchins (Cebus imitator) in the Santa Rosa Sector of the Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The events leading up to and including the infanticide and cannibalism were observed and documented ad libitum, with segments digitally recorded, and a post-mortem necropsy performed. Here we detail our observations and evaluate the events within the framework of leading adaptive explanations. The infanticide may have been proximately motivated by resource competition or group instability. The circumstances of the observed infanticide provided support for the resource competition, adoption avoidance, and social status hypotheses of infanticide, but not for the exploitation hypothesis, as neither the perpetrator nor her kin consumed the deceased infant. The subsequent cannibalism was performed by juveniles who observed the infanticide and may have been stimulated by social facilitation and their prior experience of meat consumption as omnivores. To our knowledge, cannibalism has been documented only once before in C. imitator, in an adjacent study group, with the two cases sharing key similarities in the context of occurrence and manner of consumption. These observations add to our growing knowledge of the evolutionary significance of infanticide and its importance as a reproductive strategy in nonhuman primates.

Serological survey and DNA screening of Leptospira spp. in free-living adult tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella nigritus) in a forest reserve Southeast São Paulo State, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is an important anthropozoonosis. The study investigated the presence of anti-Leptospira antibodies and detection of Leptospira spp DNA in the urine as well as the biochemical profile in Neotropical wild primates living in a forest reserve from Southeast São Paulo State, Brazil. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from 50 adult tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella nigritus). Urine samples were obtained only from male primates. The screening for antibodies against Leptospira spp was evaluated by microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Leptospira DNA in the urine was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) considering the target gene LipL32. Biochemical profile was evaluated by using a spectrophotometer. RESULTS: The MAT results included 39 (78%) serum reactive animals with the proportions of 28/39 males and 11/39 females. The most frequent reactive serogroups were Icterohemorrhagiae, Canicola, and Autumnalis. All urine samples were negative for leptospiral DNA. There were no significant differences between sexes for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase values, but alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, glucose, and urea were significantly higher in males. CONCLUSIONS: Tufted capuchin monkeys were sera reactive against leptospirosis. Prevalence was similar for the 2 sexes. Leptospiral DNA was not detected in the urine of sera reactive primates tested by the MAT method. ALT, creatinine, glucose, and urea values were higher in male animals.

Environmental factors associated With Toxoplasma gondii Exposure in Neotropical Primates of Costa Rica.

The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has been found in more than 350 species of homoeothermic vertebrates in diverse climates and geographic areas. In most animals, T. gondii produces mild or asymptomatic infection. However, acute and hyperacute toxoplasmosis is associated with high mortality rates observed in Neotropical primates (NP) in captivity. These primates are distributed in 20 countries across the Americas, and although infection has been reported in certain countries and species, toxoplasmosis in the wild and its impact on NP population survival is unknown. Differences among species in exposure rates and disease susceptibility may be due in part to differences in host behavior and ecology. Four species of NP are found in Costa Rica, i.e., howler (Alouatta palliata), spider (Ateles geoffroyi), capuchin (Cebus imitator), and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri oerstedii). This study reports NP exposure to T. gondii using the modified agglutination test in 245 serum samples of NP (198 wild and 47 from captivity) from Costa Rica. Associations of serostatus with environmental (forest cover, annual mean temperature), anthropogenic (human population density), and biological (sex) variables in howler and capuchin monkeys were evaluated. The seroprevalence among wild NP was 11.6% (95% CI = 7.7-17.34), compared with 60% in captive monkeys (95% CI = 44.27-73.63), with significant differences between species (X 2 = 20.072; df = 3, p = 0.000164), suggesting an effect of behavior and ecology. In general, antibody titers were low for wild NP (<1:128) and high for captive NP (>1:8192), suggesting higher exposure due to management factors and increased life span in captivity. Seropositivity in howler monkeys was positively related to forest cover and inversely related to annual rainfall. For capuchins, annual rainfall was inversely related to seropositivity. Surveillance of T. gondii exposure in NP in captivity and in the wild is required to understand drivers of the infection and develop novel strategies to protect them.

Unexpected rabies variant identified in kinkajou (Potos flavus), Mato Grosso, Brazil.

A second case of a novel rabies variant described once in a capuchin monkey from Mato Grosso, Brazil, was discovered in a rabid wild kinkajou from the same region, indicating a public health risk following exposure to either of the two animals.

Increased terrestriality in a Neotropical primate living on islands with reduced predation risk.

An arboreal lifestyle is thought to be central to primate origins, and most extant primate species still live in the trees. Nonetheless, terrestrial locomotion is a widespread adaptation that has arisen repeatedly within the primate lineage. The absence of terrestriality among the New World monkeys (Platyrrhini) is thus notable and raises questions about the ecological pressures that constrain the expansion of platyrrhines into terrestrial niches. Here, we report the results of a natural experiment, comparing patterns of terrestrial behavior in white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus imitator) living on two islands off the Pacific coast of Panama that lack mammalian predators (island sites) with the behavior of capuchins at three sites in central Panama with more intact predator communities (mainland sites). Surveys with camera traps revealed increased terrestriality in island vs. mainland sites. Capuchin detection rates were higher, the range of party sizes observed was larger, and individuals engaged in a wider range of terrestrial behaviors on the islands lacking mammalian predators. Furthermore, females carrying infants were frequently photographed on the ground at the island sites, but never at the mainland sites. These findings support the long-standing hypothesis that predators constrain the exploitation of terrestrial niches by primates. These results are also consistent with the hypothesis that arboreal locomotion imposes costs that primates will avoid by walking on the ground when predation risk is low.

High density of white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) and habitat quality in the Taboga Forest of Costa Rica.

Across the globe, primates are threatened by human activities. This is especially true for species found in tropical dry forests, which remain largely unprotected. Our ability to predict primate abundance in the face of human activity depends on different species' sensitivities as well as on the characteristics of the forest itself. We studied plant and primate distribution and abundance in the Taboga Forest, a 516-ha tropical dry forest surrounded by agricultural fields in northwestern Costa Rica. We found that the density of white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) at Taboga is 2-6 times higher than reported for other long-term white-faced capuchin sites. Using plant transects, we also found relatively high species richness, diversity, and equitability compared with other tropical dry forests. Edge transects (i.e., within 100 m from the forest boundary) differed from interior transects in two ways: (a) tree species associated with dry forest succession were well-established in the edge and (b) canopy cover in the edge was maintained year-round, while the interior forest was deciduous. Sighting rates for capuchins were higher near water sources but did not vary between the edge and interior forest. For comparison, we also found the same to be true for the only other primate in the Taboga Forest, mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata). Year-round access to water might explain why some primate species can flourish even alongside anthropogenic disturbance. Forest fragments like Taboga may support high densities of some species because they provide a mosaic of habitats and key resources that buffer adverse ecological conditions.

Against all odds: Numerical assessment by tufted capuchin monkeys.

When competitors are able to assess the asymmetry in the resource holding potential before interacting, individuals or groups should avoid interacting with stronger opponents, thereby avoiding the energy costs and risk of injury associated with aggressive intergroup encounters. Thus, escalated aggression is expected only between closely matched competitors. Among Argentine tufted capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus), intergroup dominance is decided by the asymmetry in male group size. Using playback experiments, I simulated intergroup encounters with neighboring groups, manipulating both the apparent numerical asymmetry and the resource context. During experimental trials, I recorded the approach behavior of the focal individual, as well as changes in neighbor density and individual travel speed following the presentation of the playback stimulus, to assess whether individual willingness to participate in resource defense was affected by the probability of winning the encounter. In spite of the competitive disadvantage, neither males nor females showed a decreased probability of approach when the numerical odds strongly favored the opposing group. Instead decisions regarding whether to participate appear to be driven primarily by the resource context. Nevertheless, changes in individual behavior during approaches suggest that tufted capuchin monkeys are sensitive to the relative odds. Individuals accelerated less when approaching a larger group, although no changes in neighbor density were apparent. The absence of an effect of the numerical asymmetry on willingness to approach the playback speaker suggests that subordinate groups benefit from engaging in intergroup aggression with larger neighbors, despite the high probability of losing. These encounters may serve to assess the current subjective resource valuation of the neighboring group or limit territorial expansion by large groups by decreasing the marginal value of home range exclusivity. Because these encounters are riskier, however, individuals appear to alter their approaches, becoming more tentative as the numerical odds increasingly favor the opposing group.

Estudo pioneiro para a determinação de padrões citohematológicos da medulá óssea de primatas Cebus apella / Pioneer study for determination of cytohematological standard os primate bone marrow Cebus apella

Objetivo. Sugerir parâmetros quantitativos para elementos medulares de Cebus apella. Material e Métodos. Foram estudados 06 animais, machos, com 2Kg e 5Kg, que passaram por contenção física e química para punção aspirativa de 1mL da medula óssea da tíbia de cada animal; confecção dos esfregaços; coloração hematológica e contagem de 500 células/lâmina (estudo duplo-cego). Resultados. Não houve diferença morfológica entre células hematopoiéticas de humanos e Cebus apella. A análise quantitativa mostrou série eritrocítica aumentada e séries granulocítica e linfomonoplasmocitica reduzidas em relação à humanos. Conclusão. Os resultados deste estudo pioneiro servem de apoio para futuras pesquisas com Cebus apella.(AU)

Objetive. Suggest quantitative parameters for Cebus apella medullary elements. Material and Methods. Six male animals were studied, with 2Kg and 5Kg, which underwent physical and chemical restraint for aspiration puncture of 1mL of the bone marrow of each animal's tibia; making smears; hematological staining and 500 cell / slide count (double-blind study). Results. There was no morphological difference between human hematopoietic cells and Cebus apella. Quantitative analysis showed an increased erythrocytic series and reduced granulocytic and lymphomonoplasmocytic series in relation to humans. Conclusion. The results of this pioneering study support future research with Cebus paella.(AU)

Estudo pioneiro para a determinação de padrões citohematológicos da medulá óssea de primatas Cebus apella / Pioneer study for determination of cytohematological standard os primate bone marrow Cebus apella

Objetivo. Sugerir parâmetros quantitativos para elementos medulares de Cebus apella. Material e Métodos. Foram estudados 06 animais, machos, com 2Kg e 5Kg, que passaram por contenção física e química para punção aspirativa de 1mL da medula óssea da tíbia de cada animal; confecção dos esfregaços; coloração hematológica e contagem de 500 células/lâmina (estudo duplo-cego). Resultados. Não houve diferença morfológica entre células hematopoiéticas de humanos e Cebus apella. A análise quantitativa mostrou série eritrocítica aumentada e séries granulocítica e linfomonoplasmocitica reduzidas em relação à humanos. Conclusão. Os resultados deste estudo pioneiro servem de apoio para futuras pesquisas com Cebus apella.

Objetive. Suggest quantitative parameters for Cebus apella medullary elements. Material and Methods. Six male animals were studied, with 2Kg and 5Kg, which underwent physical and chemical restraint for aspiration puncture of 1mL of the bone marrow of each animal's tibia; making smears; hematological staining and 500 cell / slide count (double-blind study). Results. There was no morphological difference between human hematopoietic cells and Cebus apella. Quantitative analysis showed an increased erythrocytic series and reduced granulocytic and lymphomonoplasmocytic series in relation to humans. Conclusion. The results of this pioneering study support future research with Cebus paella.

Small to modest impact of social group on the gut microbiome of wild Costa Rican capuchins in a seasonal forest.

The horizontal transmission of pathogenic and beneficial microbes has implications for health and development of socially living animals. Social group is repeatedly implicated as an important predictor of gut microbiome structure among primates, with individuals in neighboring social groups exhibiting distinct microbiomes. Here we examine whether group membership is a predictor of gut microbiome structure and diversity across three groups of white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus imitator) inhabiting a seasonal Costa Rican forest. We collected 62 fecal samples from 18 adult females during four sampling bouts. Sampling bouts spanned the dry-to-wet-to-dry seasonal transitions. To investigate gut microbial composition, we sequenced the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. We used the DADA2 pipeline to assign amplicon sequence variants and the RDP database to classify taxa. Our findings are: 1) gut microbiomes of capuchins clustered by social group in the late dry season, but this pattern was less evident in other sampling bouts; 2) social group was a significant variable in a PERMANOVA test of beta diversity, but it accounted for less variation than season; 3) social group was not an important predictor of abundance for the ten most abundant microbial taxa in capuchins; 4) when examining log2-fold abundances of microbes between social groups, there were significant differences in some pairwise comparisons. While this is suggestive of group-wide differences, individual variation may have a strong impact and should be assessed in future studies. Overall, we found a minor impact of social group membership on the gut microbiota of wild white-faced capuchins. Future research including home range overlap and resource use, as well as fine-scale investigation of individual variation, will further elucidate patterns of socially structured microbes.

Development of snake-directed antipredator behavior by wild white-faced capuchin monkeys: III. the signaling properties of alarm-call tonality.

In many primates, the acoustic properties of alarm calls can provide information on the level of perceived predatory threat as well as influence the antipredator behavior of nearby conspecifics. The present study examined the harmonics-to-noise ratio (tonality of spectral structure) of alarm calls emitted by white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) in trees directed at photographic models of a boa constrictor, neotropical rattlesnake, scorpion eater snake, and white snake-shaped control presented on the ground. The average and peak harmonics-to-noise ratios of initial alarm calls by infants, juveniles, and adults and those of nearby second callers were analyzed using PRAAT software. Averaged for age class, the peak harmonics-to-noise ratio of alarm calls directed at the boa constrictor model, characterizing a primary capuchin predator, was reliably higher than the peak harmonics-to-noise ratio of alarm calls directed at the harmless scorpion eater model. This effect was influenced by the higher harmonics-to-noise ratio of infant alarm calls and it disconfirmed our prediction, based on primate vocalization research, that snake perception would increase arousal and alarm-call noisiness. Levels of call tonality did not distinguish the boa and rattlesnake or rattlesnake and scorpion eater models for any age class. Higher alarm-call tonality appeared contagious to nearby perceivers, with focal alarm calling influencing the level of tonality of the first calls of second callers. Together, these findings suggest that the higher peak harmonics-to-noise ratio of capuchin alarm calling directed at snakes is contagious and possibly conveys information about the level of perceived predatory threat.

Stone tool use by wild capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) at Serra das Confusões National Park, Brazil.

Capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.) are proficient tool users, and the use of stone tools occurs in several populations, mostly to crack open encased foods. Two well-studied Brazilian populations of Sapajus libidinosus inhabit Fazenda Boa Vista and Serra da Capivara National Park and present different behavioral sets regarding tool use. Serra das Confusões National Park (SCoNP) lies between those sites, but little is known about the capuchin monkey population that lives there. To begin unraveling the capuchin behavior in this area, we conducted a brief survey for tool use sites. We found indirect evidence that capuchin monkeys at SCoNP use stone hammers to crack open at least four species of seeds and fruits. Plant reproductive parts there are processed with stone tools in a similar pattern to the other sites. Further study is needed to directly observe tool use by capuchin monkeys at SCoNP, verify the occurrence of other possible types of tool use in this population, and thus fully compare their tool use repertoire to that of other populations.

The influence of anthropogenic edge effects on primate populations and their habitat in a fragmented rainforest in Costa Rica.

When a forest is fragmented, this increases the amount of forest edge relative to the interior. Edge effects can lead to loss of animal and plant species and decreased plant biomass near forest edges. We examined the influence of an anthropogenic forest edge comprising cattle pasture, coconut plantations, and human settlement on the mantled howler (Alouatta palliata), white-faced capuchin (Cebus capucinus), Central American spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), and plant populations at La Suerte Biological Research Station (LSBRS), Costa Rica. We predicted that there would be lower monkey encounter rate, mean tree species richness, and diameter at breast height (DBH) in forest edge versus interior, and that monkeys would show species-specific responses to edge based on diet, body size, and canopy height preferences. Specifically, we predicted that howler monkeys would show positive or neutral edge effects due to their flexible folivorous diet, large body size, and preference for high canopy, capuchins would show positive edge effects due to their diverse diet, small body size, and preference for low to middle canopy, and spider monkeys would show negative edge effects due their reliance on ripe fruit, large body size, and preference for high upper canopy. We conducted population and vegetation surveys along edge and interior transects at LSBRS. Contrary to predictions, total monkey encounter rate did not vary between the forest edge and forest interior. Furthermore, all three species showed neutral edge effects with no significant differences in encounter rate between forest edge and interior. Interior transects had significantly higher mean tree species richness than edge transects, and interior trees had greater DBH than edge trees, although this difference was not significant. These results suggest that forest edges negatively impact plant populations at La Suerte but that the monkeys are able to withstand these differences in vegetation.

Descrição da anatomia radiográfica do crânio do Cebus Apella (Linnaeus, 1758) / Anatomic-radiographic description of cebus apella (linnaeus, 1758) skull

Introdução: as semelhanças filogenéticas entre primatas não humanos e seres humanos estimulam estudos de seu sistema estomatognático, visando seu uso em pesquisas. Objetivo: descrever as estruturas anatômicas da maxila e da mandíbula do Cebus apella, comparando às características humanas. Material e Método: foram utilizados dois animais adultos. Após a remoção do tecido orgânico, os crânios e maxilas foram radiografados e fotografados, sendo analisados com a lupa. Resultado e discussão: as estruturas anatômicas da maxila e da mandíbula apresentavam características semelhantes ao ser humano, mas com algumas peculiaridades, tais como: a presença do terceiro pré-molar; proeminências caninas evidentes em ambos os arcos; a colocação mental do majestoso; largura do ramo ascendente do maxilar; a presença do forame mandibular; Formato V do maxilar; o tamanho do forame incisivo; presença da sutura incisiva. Com relção à interpretação radiográfica da câmara pulpar e canal radicular desta espécie, os dentes incisivos central e lateral superiores, caninos superiores e inferiores e 1º, 2º, 3º Pré-molares inferiores são dentes com canais únicos, amplos, de fácil acesso e, desse modo, ideais para experimentos endodônticos. Conclusão: o Cebus apella pode ser usado como modelo de estudo em tratamento endodôntico.

Introduction: the phylogenetic similarities between non-human primates and humans stimulate studies of their stomatognathic system, aiming their use in research. Objective: the objective of this study was to describe the anatomical structures of the maxilla and mandible of Cebus apella comparing to human characteristics. Material and Method: two adult animals were used. After removing the organic tissue, the skulls and jaws were x-rayed and photographed, being analyzed with the magnifying glass. Results: the results showed that the anatomical structures of the maxilla and the mandible had similar characteristics to the human being, but with some peculiarities, such as: the presence of the third premolar; prominent canine prominences in both arches; the mental setting of the majestic; width of ascending branch of maxilla; the presence of the mandibular foramen; V shape of the jaw; incisor foramen size; presence of the incisive suture. With respect to the radiographic interpretation of the pulp chamber and root canal of this species, the maxillary and mandibular maxillary teeth, maxillary and mandibular maxillary teeth are teeth with single, wide, easily accessible ideal for endodontic experiments. Conclusion: thus, the authors conclude that Cebus apella can be used as a study model in endodontic treatment.

Morfologia radicular da dentição permanente Cebus apella: morfometria e anatomia macroscópica / Root morphology of the permanent dentition Cebus apella: morphometry and gross anatomy

Introdução: as semelhanças filogenéticas entre primatas não-humanos e humanos estimulam estudos de seu sistema estomatognático, visando seu uso em pesquisas. Objetivo: assim, um estudo anatômico das características externas dos dentes permanentes do Cebus apella foi realizado, comparando-as com as características humanas, a fim de se normalizar como modelo experimental. Material e Método: dois animais adultos foram utilizados. Após a retirada do tecido orgânico, os dentes foram removidos e fotografados, sendo analisados com a lupa. Resultado: os resultados mostraram que os dentes apresentavam características semelhantes ao ser humano, mas com algumas peculiaridades, como: a presença do terceiro pré-molar; as raízes apresentam menor comprimento e volume; o terço apical dos incisivos centrais, laterais superiores e inferiores é mesiodistalmente plano; os pré-molares superiores têm duas raízes individualizadas; o primeiro e segundo molares superiores têm duas raízes e os terceiros molares superiores e inferiores têm apenas uma raiz. Conclusão: os autores concluem que o Cebus apella pode ser usado como modelo experimental em substituição aos humanos em pesquisas odontológicas.

Introduction: the phylogenetic similarities between non-human primate and human being stimulate studies of its stomatognathic system, aiming its use on researches. Objective: an anatomic study of the external features of the permanent teeth of the Cebus apella was accomplished, comparing with the human features, in order to normalize as experimental model. Material and Method: two adult animals were used. After the removal of the organic tissue, the teeth were removed and photographed, being analyzed with the loupe. Result: the results showed that the teeth presented similar features to the human being, but with some peculiarities, such as: the presence of the third premolar; the roots present smaller length and volume; the apical third of the central, lateral superiors and inferior incisors are mesiodistally flat; the superior premolars have two individualized roots; the 1st and 2nd superior molars have two roots and the 3rd superior and inferior molars have just one root. Conclusion: the authors conclude that the Cebus apella can be used as experimental model in substitution to the humans in dental researches.

Gastrointestinal parasites in captive and free-ranging Cebus albifrons in the Western Amazon, Ecuador.

Currently, there is a lack of surveys that report the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in the white-headed capuchin monkey (Cebus albifrons). We therefore assessed the presence and richness (= number of different parasite genera) of parasites in C. albifrons in wildlife refuges (n = 11) and in a free-ranging group near a human village (n = 15) in the Ecuadorian Amazon. In the 78 samples collected (median of 3 samples per animal), we identified a total of 6 genera of gastrointestinal parasites, representing protozoa, nematodes, acanthocephalans and cestodes. We observed a high prevalence (84%) across the 26 individuals, with the most prevalent parasite being Strongyloides sp. (76.9%), followed by Hymenolepis sp. (38.5%) and Prosthenorchis elegans (11.5%). We found Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moskovskii/nuttalli and Capillaria sp. in only a minority of the animals (3.8%). In addition, we observed unidentified strongyles in approximately one-third of the animals (34.6%). We found a total of 6 parasite genera for the adult age group, which showed higher parasite richness than the subadult age group (5) and the juvenile age group (3). Faecal egg/cyst counts were not significantly different between captive and free-ranging individuals or between sexes or age groups. The free-ranging group had a higher prevalence than the captive group; however, this difference was not significant. The only genus common to captive and free-ranging individuals was Strongyloides sp. The high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and the presence of Strongyloides in both populations support results from previous studies in Cebus species. This high prevalence could be related to the high degree of humidity in the region. For the free-ranging group, additional studies are required to gain insights into the differences in parasite prevalence and intensity between age and sex groups. Additionally, our study demonstrated that a serial sampling of each individual increases the test sensitivity.

Áreas cerebrais do macaco prego (Cebus apella Linnaeus, 1766) / Brain areas of capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella Linnaeus, 1766)

O Cebus apella é uma espécie protegida por lei, contribui para a manutenção dos ecossistemas florestais com comportamento social semelhante aos humanos. Descrevemos a topografia das áreas cerebrais do Cebus apella, para observar e descrever a organização dos sulcos e lobos em cada hemisfério cerebral, esquematizando-os. A análise foi feita pela observação de 30 (trinta) hemisférios cerebrais, fixados em álcool 70 %, dissecados sob mesoscopia de luz. Foram descritos 4 (quatro) lobos cerebrais principais: Frontal; Parietal; Temporal e Occipital e suas complexas circunvoluções cerebrais, característica de primatas com movimentos rápidos. A análise foi: vista medial apresentando sulco caloso marginal, parieto-occipital, calcarino, para-calcarino, retro-calcarino, colateral, occipito-temporal e rostral; vista lateral apresentando sulco rectus, frontal médio, ramo horizontal arcuatus, superior subcentral, arcuatus, lateral, paralelo, temporal inferior, central, intraparietal, angular, pré-occipital transverso, occipital tranverso ou lunatus, occipital inferior, occipital médio, occipital superior e parieto-occipital. São constantes na vista lateral os sulcos lateral, paralelo, central, intraparietal e lunatus, os demais variam de um antímero para o outro. Na vista medial os sulcos parieto-occipital, caloso marginal e calcarino são constantes. Na morfologia dos giros cerebrais a presença ou ausência dos sulcos e suas variações são indicativos de uso maior ou menor de córtex cerebral, característica importante para o domínio das circunstâncias sociais e ambientais, para garantir a sobrevivência da espécie.

The Cebus is a species protected by law, which contributes to the maintenance of forest ecosystems, presenting a social behavior similar to humans. The brain area topography of Cebus is described in this paper, with the purpose of observing and describing the organization of the sulcus and lobes in each cerebral hemisphere, outlining them. The analysis was performed by observing thirty (30) cerebral hemispheres fixed in 70% alcohol, dissected under mesoscopy light. Four (4) major cerebral lobes have been described: Frontal; Parietal; Temporal and Occipital and their complex brain convolutions, characteristic of primates with rapid movements. The areas analyzed were: facies medialis showing marginal sulcus callosum, parietal-occipital, calcarinus, retro calcarinus, collaterales, occipital temporales and rostralis; facies lateralis showing sulcus rectus, medialis rostralis, horizontal arcuatus segment, superior sub-central, arcuatus, lateralis, parallel, inferior temporalis, centralis, intraparietalis, angular, transverse pre-occipital, tranverse occipital or lunatus, inferior occipital, medius occipital, superior occipital and parietalis occipital. The lateral view presented the lateral, parallel, central, intraparietal and lunatus sulcus, and the other ranged from one antimere to the other. The medialis view presented the parietal-occipital sulcus, marginal and calcarinus callosum. The morphology of the brain gyrus, the presence or absence of sulcus and their variations are an indication of greater or lower use of the brain cortex, an important characteristic for the domain of the social and environmental circumstances to guarantee the survival of the species.