Making use of Capuchins’ behavioral propensities to obtain hair samples for DNA analyses

Genotyping wild and captive capuchins has become a priority and hair bulbs have high quality DNA. Here, we describe a method to non-invasively collect fresh-plucked strands of hair that exploits capuchins’ manual dexterity and propensity to grasp and extract food. The apparatus consists of a transparent tube baited with food. Its extraction requires the monkey to place its forearm in contact with double-sided tape applied on the inner surface of the tube entrance. The “tube” method, successfully implemented with captive (N=23) and wild (N=21) capuchins, allowed us to obtain hair bulbs from most individuals and usable genomic DNA was extracted even from a single bulb

Comparative genomics and transcriptomics of lineages I, II, and III strains of Listeria monocytogenes

BACKGROUND: Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne pathogen that causes infections with a high-mortality rate and has served as an invaluable model for intracellular parasitism. Here, we report complete genome sequences for two L. monocytogenes strains belonging to serotype 4a (L99) and 4b (CLIP80459), and transcriptomes of representative strains from lineages I, II, and III, thereby permitting in-depth comparison of genome- and transcriptome -based data from three lineages of L. monocytogenes. Lineage III, represented by the 4a L99 genome is known to contain strains less virulent for humans. RESULTS: The genome analysis of the weakly pathogenic L99 serotype 4a provides extensive evidence of virulence gene decay, including loss of several important surface proteins. The 4b CLIP80459 genome, unlike the previously sequenced 4b F2365 genome harbours an intact inlB invasion gene. These lineage I strains are characterized by the lack of prophage genes, as they share only a single prophage locus with other L. monocytogenes genomes 1/2a EGD-e and 4a L99. Comparative transcriptome analysis during intracellular growth uncovered adaptive expression level differences in lineages I, II and III of Listeria, notable amongst which was a strong intracellular induction of flagellar genes in strain 4a L99 compared to the other lineages. Furthermore, extensive differences between strains are manifest at levels of metabolic flux control and phosphorylated sugar uptake. Intriguingly, prophage gene expression was found to be a hallmark of intracellular gene expression. Deletion mutants in the single shared prophage locus of lineage II strain EGD-e 1/2a, the lma operon, revealed severe attenuation of virulence in a murine infection model. CONCLUSION: Comparative genomics and transcriptome analysis of L. monocytogenes strains from three lineages implicate prophage genes in intracellular adaptation and indicate that gene loss and decay may have led to the emergence of attenuated lineages

A Cross-Cultural Comparison of the Link between Modernization, Anthropomorphism and Attitude to Wildlife

Anthropogenic pressure has significantly increased in the last decades, often enhancing conflicts at the human–wildlife interface. Therefore, understanding peoples’ value orientations, attitudes and behavioural intentions towards wildlife is a crucial endeavour to reduce the occurrence of conflicts between humans and wildlife. Previous research in the USA has shown a consistent link between modernization and increased anthropomorphism (i.e., the tendency to attribute human mental or physical characteristics to other entities), leading to positive changes in value orientations, attitudes, and behavioural intentions towards wildlife. In this paper, we aimed to address whether this link is also present in other cultures, by testing participants (N = 741) in five different countries (Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, and Spain). Our study shows that while the positive link between anthropomorphism, positive attitudes and behavioural intentions towards wildlife is universal, the link between modernization and anthropomorphism is culturally mediated. In some countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Spain), modernization increased anthropomorphism, while in others modernization predicted no differences (Brazil) or even a decrease in anthropomorphism (Mexico), ultimately deteriorating individuals’ attitude and behavioural intentions towards wildlife. These results call for caution when generalizing findings from western industrialized countries to inform conservation policies worldwide

Analysis of the social structure of a semi-captive group of brown capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella).

Considera-se que a estrutura social de grupos selvagens de Cebus apella é caracterizada por hierarquia de dominância linear que determinaria uma organização espacial rígida dos membros do grupo em função da exploração de recursos alimentares e da vigilância do grupo. Um grupo da espécie, mantido em semi-cativeiro, cuja composição variou entre 40 e 47 indivíduos. foi estudado a fim de descrever sua estrutura social, e verificar a coesão entre os membros de um grupo formado artificialmente e o grau de alteração que as condições de manutenção, com alimento abundante e ausência de predadores, poderiam estar provocando sobre a organização social. Foi possível descrever relações de dominância e organização espacial semelhantes às descritas para grupos naturais apenas para o período de fornecimento de alimentação no cocho. Durante o restante do dia a pressão de competição por alimento sobre a estrutura social do grupo estava relaxada e foram observadas intensas relações afiliativas entre os indivíduos. As relações sociais estabelecidas pelos diferentes membros do grupo podem ser entendidas como estratégias para aquisição de aliados, aumento de potencial reprodutivo e aquisição de competência social, de acordo com sexo, idade e posição hierárquica dos indivíduos envolvidos.Wild groups of Cebus apella are distinguished by a linear dominance hierarchy which determines a non-random spatial organization of the group members, in terms of the exploitation of ood resources and the advantages of group vigilance. A semi-captive artificialy formed group of this species, with a composition varying between 40 and 47 individuais, was studied to describe the social structure, investigate the cohesion of the group members,and verify possible consequences resulting ftom captive conditions, involving abundant food and an absence of predators, on its social organization. Dominance relationships and spatial organization were similar to that described for wild groups only at the moment when food was supplied. During the rest of the day the significance of food competition for the social structure of the group was relaxed, and strong affiliative relationships were observed. The relationships estabilished between different group members could be understood as strategies for the acquisition of allies, enhancing reproductive opportunities and the development of social skills, according to sex, age and dominance status of the individuais involVed

Ecology and behaviour of a group of brown-capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) in lhe Atlantic Forest

Visando analisar a relação entre variáveis ecológicas e comportamento de C. apella, foi estudado um grupo da espécie no Parque Estadual Intervales, SP, de abril de 1995 a dezembro de 1997. Foram registrados: parâmetros climáticos e de oferta de frutos maduros no habitat, o comportamento dos animais em resposta à presença de observadores humanos, dieta e dispersão de sementes pelos animais através da análise de amostras fecais, padrões de comportamento locomotor - tamanho da área de uso, variação mensal do tamanho da área explorada e frequência de visitas a sub-áreas da área de uso. Os animais do grupo estudado não se habituaram à presença de observadores humanos, apresentando respostas de fuga e alarme durante os trinta e três meses de pesquisa, o que foi creditado à associação entre variabilidade individual de temperamento, aprendizagem anterior e características topográficas da área. A dieta dos animais constituiu-se principalmente de polpa de frutos maduros e em meses com menor oferta de frutos, bromélias furam o principal recurso alternativo. O tamanho da área de uso do grupo fui relacionado à massa de frutos maduros disponível no habitat. Em meses com menor oferta de frutos os animais expandiram ou diminuíram o tamanho da área explorada de acordo com a distribuição dos recursos alimentares alternativos. A frequência de utilização de sub-áreas não se relacionou com parâmetros de oferta de frutos. Os animais foram considerados dispersores importantes de espécies de plantas cujos frutos foram utilizados na dieta, mas a dispersão foi limitada pelo diâmetro das sementes. A reação a observadores humanos e os padrões de comportamento locomotor observados indicam a variabilidade comportamental da espécie, adaptando-se às características do habitat.Analyses lhe relationships between ecological variables and behaviour of a C. apella group, in Parque Estadual Intervalos, SP, from April. 1995 to December, 1997. Data were recorded from climatic parameters, and fruit availability in lhe habitat, animals´ response to human observers, animals\' diet and seed dispersion examined trough faecal sample analysis, patterns of ranging behaviour, home range, monthly variation of home range use, and frequency of use of home range sub-areas. The study group did not habituate to human observers after thirty-three months of research. This pattern of response is probably related to individual variability of temperament, past learning, and habitat features. The animais fed mostly on mature fruits pulp, and fed heavily on bromeliads in months with minor mature fruit offer. Home range size was related to fruit mass availability. In months with less fruit, the study group expanded or reduced home range size according to lhe pattern of distribution of alternative food sources. The frequency at which lhe animais used different sub-areas of home range was not related to fruit offer. C. apella can be considered an important seed disperser of plant species they fed in; but seed dispersion is constrained by seed diameter. The patterns of reaction to human observers and of ranging behaviour indicate behavioural variability of C. apella, according to habitat features

Ecology and behaviour of a group of brown-capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) in lhe Atlantic Forest

Visando analisar a relação entre variáveis ecológicas e comportamento de C. apella, foi estudado um grupo da espécie no Parque Estadual Intervales, SP, de abril de 1995 a dezembro de 1997. Foram registrados: parâmetros climáticos e de oferta de frutos maduros no habitat, o comportamento dos animais em resposta à presença de observadores humanos, dieta e dispersão de sementes pelos animais através da análise de amostras fecais, padrões de comportamento locomotor - tamanho da área de uso, variação mensal do tamanho da área explorada e frequência de visitas a sub-áreas da área de uso. Os animais do grupo estudado não se habituaram à presença de observadores humanos, apresentando respostas de fuga e alarme durante os trinta e três meses de pesquisa, o que foi creditado à associação entre variabilidade individual de temperamento, aprendizagem anterior e características topográficas da área. A dieta dos animais constituiu-se principalmente de polpa de frutos maduros e em meses com menor oferta de frutos, bromélias furam o principal recurso alternativo. O tamanho da área de uso do grupo fui relacionado à massa de frutos maduros disponível no habitat. Em meses com menor oferta de frutos os animais expandiram ou diminuíram o tamanho da área explorada de acordo com a distribuição dos recursos alimentares alternativos. A frequência de utilização de sub-áreas não se relacionou com parâmetros de oferta de frutos. Os animais foram considerados dispersores importantes de espécies de plantas cujos frutos foram utilizados na dieta, mas a dispersão foi limitada pelo diâmetro das sementes. A reação a observadores humanos e os padrões de comportamento locomotor observados indicam a variabilidade comportamental da espécie, adaptando-se às características do habitat.Analyses lhe relationships between ecological variables and behaviour of a C. apella group, in Parque Estadual Intervalos, SP, from April. 1995 to December, 1997. Data were recorded from climatic parameters, and fruit availability in lhe habitat, animals´ response to human observers, animals\' diet and seed dispersion examined trough faecal sample analysis, patterns of ranging behaviour, home range, monthly variation of home range use, and frequency of use of home range sub-areas. The study group did not habituate to human observers after thirty-three months of research. This pattern of response is probably related to individual variability of temperament, past learning, and habitat features. The animais fed mostly on mature fruits pulp, and fed heavily on bromeliads in months with minor mature fruit offer. Home range size was related to fruit mass availability. In months with less fruit, the study group expanded or reduced home range size according to lhe pattern of distribution of alternative food sources. The frequency at which lhe animais used different sub-areas of home range was not related to fruit offer. C. apella can be considered an important seed disperser of plant species they fed in; but seed dispersion is constrained by seed diameter. The patterns of reaction to human observers and of ranging behaviour indicate behavioural variability of C. apella, according to habitat features

Capuchin monkey tool use: Overview and implications

Nutcracking capuchins are mentioned in reports dating as far back as the sixteenth century,(1,2) as well as in Brazilian folklore.(3) However, it was barely a decade ago that primatologists ""discovered"" the spontaneous use of stones to crack nuts in a semi-free ranging group of tufted capuchin monkeys. Since then, we have found several more capuchin populations in savanna-like environments which(5-7) employ this form of tool use. The evidence so far only weakly supports geneti cally based behavioral differences between populations and does not suggest that dietary pressures in poor environments are proximate determinants of the likelihood of tool use. Instead, tool use within these capuchin populations seems to be a behavioral tradition that is socially learned and is primarily associated with more terrestrial habits. However, differences in the diversity of ""tool kits"" between populations remain to be understood

SOCIAL MONOGAMY AND BIPARENTAL CARE OF THE NEOTROPICAL SOUTHERN BAMBOO RAT (KANNABATEOMYS AMBLYONYX)

We analyzed social patterns indicative of the mating system and parental care in a population of the southern bamboo rat (Kannabateomys amblyonyx). This arboreal rodent feeds exclusively on bamboo stems and leaves. We conducted fieldwork from August 2003 to October 2004 in southern Brazil (30 degrees 20`-30 degrees 27`S, 50 degrees 50`-51 degrees 05`W), in patches of introduced Chinese bamboo (Bambusa tuldoides). We captured 18 individuals, 7 of which were adults that received radiotransmitters and were followed from 1 to 12 months. Another 5 animals (adults or subadults) received colored collars. We observed paternal care, delayed juvenile dispersal, and reduced degree of sexual dimorphism, all of which are traits typical of social monogamy. Mated males showed a direct parental behavioral repertoire similar to that of females (with the obvious exception of nursing), including grooming, huddling, and food provisioning. Potential monogamy in this species seems to be a flexible strategy linked to low density of bamboo patches. Females were confined to widely spaced., small home ranges, decreasing the possibility of male defense of and access to > 1 female. The arboreal habits of the species possibly increase the risk of inexperienced young falling from trees or else being depreciated when moving exposed through branches. This risk is probably reduced by the extensive biparental care observed, including the providing of low-energy plant food to young in the nest

Stone tool use by adult wild bearded capuchin monkeys (Cebus libidinosus). Frequency, efficiency and tool selectivity

Chimpanzees have been the traditional referential models for investigating human evolution and stone tool use by hominins. We enlarge this comparative scenario by describing normative use of hammer stones and anvils in two wild groups of bearded capuchin monkeys (Cebus libidinosus) over one year. We found that most of the individuals habitually use stones and anvils to crack nuts and other encased food items. Further, we found that in adults (1) males use stone tools more frequently than females, (2) males crack high resistance nuts more frequently than females, (3) efficiency at opening a food by percussive tool use varies according to the resistance of the encased food, (4) heavier individuals are more efficient at cracking high resistant nuts than smaller individuals, and (5) to crack open encased foods, both sexes select hammer stones on the basis of material and weight. These findings confirm and extend previous experimental evidence concerning tool selectivity in wild capuchin monkeys (Visalberghi et al., 2009b; Fragaszy et al., 2010b). Male capuchins use tools more frequently than females and body mass is the best predictor of efficiency, but the sexes do not differ in terms of efficiency. We argue that the contrasting pattern of sex differences in capuchins compared with chimpanzees, in which females use tools more frequently and more skillfully than males, may have arisen from the degree of sexual dimorphism in body size of the two species, which is larger in capuchins than in chimpanzees. Our findings show the importance of taking sex and body mass into account as separate variables to assess their role in tool use. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.IBAMAIBAMACNPqConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)National Geographic SocietyNational Geographic SocietyLeakey FoundationLeakey FoundationFAPESPFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)CNRCNREU-AnalogyEU-Analogy[029088]La Sapienza University of RomeLa Sapienza University of RomeEthoikos srl, EuropeanEthoikos srl, European[IM-CLeVeR FP7-ICT-IP-231722