Biological and Physical Anthropology Commons^™

Family Dynamics In Eastern Hoolock (Hoolock Leuconedys), Javan (Hylobates Moloch), Pileated (H. Pileatus) And Northern White-Cheeked Gibbons (Nomascus Leucogenys) At The Gibbon Conservation Center, Alexandra Sheldon

All Master's Theses

Few studies have explored the continuing relationship and behaviors within primate groups as the offspring mature and continue to depend on parental care. Between June 7 and July 7, 2016, I studied the family dynamics of 5 gibbon groups from 4 species: hoolock (Hoolock leuconedys), Javan (Hylobates moloch), pileated (H. pileatus) and northern white-cheeked (Nomascus leucogenys) gibbons housed at the Gibbon Conservation Center (GCC) in Santa Clarita, CA. I recorded all occurrences of approach, retreat, groom and play behaviors as well as the proximity individuals maintain between each other. I predicted: 1. …

Managing Sociality Of A Captive Female Bornean Orangutan From Breeding To Post-Partum At The Smithsonian's National Zoo, Marie Vergamini

Theses and Dissertations

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Orangutan Species Survival Plan® aims to maintain 100 Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) in captivity. Because investment in breeding these lineages is high, properly managing sociality of potential mothers is essential. This study assessed how behaviors of a captive breeding female at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo changed from pre-gestation through the offspring’s sixth month of age to improve breeding recommendations.

The infant Bornean orangutan was born September 2016. Results indicate that during breeding, the mother socialized most with two adult females. During pregnancy, the pregnant female socialized in less energy-consuming ways, i.e. grooming. …

Mom's Day Out: Investigating The Proximate Causes Of Allomothering In Squirrel Monkeys, Amber Wright

Anthropology Undergraduate Senior Theses

Allomothering, which is defined as non-material infant care, is a behavior that is found among many animal species. Although it is widely acknowledged in primate species in particular, it is not well understood. Allomaternal behavior is well documented but the proximal causes are not known. Most primate species live in groups and have intense social relations which govern every aspect of their behavior. Allomothering could then be better understood by looking at the social relationships that exist between members of a group. This research tries to better understand what causes certain females to allomother over others by looking at the …

Squirrel Monkey Pelvic Morphology And Difficult Pregnancies: It's Not All In The Hips, Lucinda Freeman

Anthropology Undergraduate Senior Theses

Researchers at the CNPRR have observed a reduction in the reproductive success of female squirrel monkeys of Bolivian origin (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis) due to nonviable termination of their pregnancies. Difficulties with pregnancy, including dystopias and stillborn infants, seem to be a result of an extremely large fetal to mother weight ratio. This factor has led to studies of the pelvic size and shape in the Bolivian origin female squirrel monkeys. Aksel and Able (1983) devised a pelvimetry method for evaluating the bony structures of the pelvis in order to predict perinatal outcome. This thesis will apply the pelvimetry methods of …