Biochemical and hematological evaluations of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in highly degraded landscapes in Mexico

Background Loss and fragmentation of Neotropical primates’ habitat can alter the health and individual adaptation. Physiological parameters reflect health status and individuals responses to the habitat conditions. Methods We captured six wild adult females and six adult males of Alouatta pigra to e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of medical primatology 2017-12, Vol.46 (6), p.304-310
Main Authors: García‐Feria, Luis M., Chapman, Colin A., Pastor‐Nieto, Rosalía, Serio‐Silva, Juan Carlos
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptability
Albumin
Alouatta - blood
Alouatta - physiology
Alouatta pigra
Animals
blood chemistry
Body mass
Body temperature
Body Weight
clinical parameters
Conservation of Natural Resources
Environment
Erythrocytes
Female
Globulins
habitat fragmentation
Habitats
Heart Rate
Hematocrit
Hematology
Hemoglobin
Male
Mexico
Monkeys & apes
physiological parameters
Respiration
Respiratory Rate
Sex Factors
Temperature
Urea
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Summary:Background Loss and fragmentation of Neotropical primates’ habitat can alter the health and individual adaptation. Physiological parameters reflect health status and individuals responses to the habitat conditions. Methods We captured six wild adult females and six adult males of Alouatta pigra to evaluate their physical condition (body mass, respiratory and heart rate, and rectal temperature), hematology and blood chemistry on fragmentation habitat condition at southeastern Mexico. Results The males weighed more than females, but the female’ temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate were higher. Low values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells suggest some degree of anemia in these howler monkeys. Low levels of the total protein, albumin, albumin/globulin Ratio, and low levels of blood urea nitrogen suggest that howler monkeys could have protein and carbohydrate deficiencies. Conclusions Howler monkeys living under the highly degraded conditions at Balancán, Tabasco, could be showing adaptability by modifying their physiology, hematology, and blood chemistry in response to the conditions of their fragmented landscape.
ISSN:0047-2565
1600-0684
DOI:10.1111/jmp.12286