White Fronted Capuchin Monkey
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Husbandry Guidelines for White Fronted Capuchin Monkey Mammalia: Primates: Cebidae Cebus albifrons Author: Kate Littlefield Date of Preparation: August 2008- November 2009 Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, Richmond Course Name and No.: Captive Animal Management 1068 Lecturer: Graeme Phipps. DISCLAIMER These husbandry guidelines were produced by the compiler/author at TAFE NSW – Western Sydney Institute, Richmond College, N.S.W. Australia as part assessment for completion of Certificate III in Captive Animals, Course number 1068. Since the husbandry guidelines are the result of student project work, care should be taken in the interpretation of information therein, - in effect, all care taken but no responsibility is assumed for any loss or damage that may result from the use of these guidelines. It is offered to the ASZK Husbandry Manuals Register for the benefit of animal welfare and care. Husbandry guidelines are utility documents and are ‘works in progress’, so enhancements to these guidelines are invited. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS Caution should always be taken when dealing with any member of the genus Cebus. They are classed as hazardous and therefore have the potential to severely injure humans. Please take note of the following risks; Cebus possess powerful jaws in comparison to their size, very strong, sharp teeth and can cause severe injuries through their bite. Those living in developed social groups can present an ever larger risk to humans if they attack as a troupe, which in large numbers has the potential to cause serious injuries including multiple lacerations and fractures. Always be cautious when working below capuchins as they often pick up objects and drop or throw them deliberately at someone or something. The previous hazards can be avoided by; Always wearing strong protective gloves when handling (elbow length); only allowing experienced staff to handle capuchins; minimise contact with animals by using ergonomically designed enclosures and trap cages; Avoid standing below animals with access to loose objects. Capuchins are recorded to carry a number of very serious zoonotic diseases such as rabies, Hepatitis B and some less serious zoonosis including but not limited to fungal diseases (e.g. ringworm, candida), parasitic diseases (e.g. nematodes, giardia, lice, mites, mange, fleas etc.) and they are also at risk of infection from malaria and yellow fever which can be passed on to humans via vectors. It is advised to quarantine all capuchins prior to introduction to other monkeys and humans so as to detect any readily apparent health conditions before infecting others. There are also a few different types of preventative medications and vaccinations that can be administered to both animals and humans to reduce the likeliness of contracting viruses and disease. Hands should be washed and disinfected post handling capuchins or working in close proximity and all wounds be promptly and thoroughly cleaned. Enclosures should be designed ergonomically to minimize contact with the animals and to allow safe hazard free operations. An air-lock gate system and strong materials are imperative as these highly intelligent animals have the potential to escape from points of weakness in enclosures and once free, pose threats to bystanders. When keeping capuchins for exhibit purposes, it is quite common to condition the animal to respond and cooperate with keepers, vets and staff. Although this can be beneficial, it does not mean that you can predict the behaviour and actions of the animal in all circumstances. Each individual is different and possesses different levels of risk which should never be underestimated. Cebus are wild animals and should be treated with the respect they deserve. Many hazards surround keeping such species in captivity and these should be assessed prior to acquisition and reviewed regularly to maintain safe practices. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................8 1.1 ASMP CATEGORY ........................................................................................................................8 1.2 IUCN CATEGORY..........................................................................................................................8 1.3 WILD POPULATION MANAGEMENT ...............................................................................................8 1.4 SPECIES COORDINATOR .................................................................................................................9 2 TAXONOMY ..................................................................................................................................... 10 2.1 NOMENCLATURE ......................................................................................................................... 10 2.2 SUBSPECIES ................................................................................................................................. 10 2.3 RECENT SYNONYMS .................................................................................................................... 10 2.4 OTHER COMMON NAMES ............................................................................................................ 10 3 NATURAL HISTORY ...................................................................................................................... 11 3.1 MORPHOMETRICS ........................................................................................................................ 11 3.1.1 Mass And Basic Body Measurements .................................................................................... 11 3.1.2 Sexual Dimorphism ................................................................................................................ 11 3.1.3 Distinguishing Features ......................................................................................................... 11 3.2 DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT ...................................................................................................... 12 3.3 CONSERVATION STATUS ............................................................................................................. 13 3.4 LONGEVITY ................................................................................................................................. 13 3.4.1 In the Wild ............................................................................................................................. 13 3.4.2 In Captivity ............................................................................................................................ 13 3.4.3 Techniques Used to Determine Age in Adults ........................................................................ 13 4 HOUSING REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................................... 15 4.2 HOLDING AREA DESIGN .............................................................................................................. 15 4.3 SPATIAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................ 15 4.4 POSITION OF ENCLOSURES .......................................................................................................... 15 4.5 WEATHER PROTECTION ............................................................................................................... 16 4.6 TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................. 16 4.7 SUBSTRATE ................................................................................................................................. 16 4.8 NESTBOXES AND/OR BEDDING MATERIAL .................................................................................. 16 4.9 ENCLOSURE FURNISHINGS .......................................................................................................... 16 5 GENERAL HUSBANDRY ................................................................................................................ 18 5.1 HYGIENE AND CLEANING ............................................................................................................ 18 5.2 RECORD KEEPING ....................................................................................................................... 20 5.3 METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION .................................................................................................... 20 5.4 ROUTINE DATA COLLECTION ...................................................................................................... 21 6 FEEDING REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................... 23 6.1 DIET IN THE WILD ....................................................................................................................... 23 6.2 CAPTIVE DIET ............................................................................................................................. 23 6.3 SUPPLEMENTS ............................................................................................................................. 25 6.4 PRESENTATION OF FOOD ............................................................................................................. 25 7 HANDLING AND TRANSPORT ...................................................................................................