Prevalence of Babesia microti in free-ranging baboons and African green monkeys.

Babesia microti-like parasites have been reported to infect captive non-human primates (NHPs). However, studies on the prevalence of Babesia spp. in free-ranging NHPs are lacking. This investigation aimed at determining the prevalence of B. microti in wild-caught Kenyan NHPs. In total, 125 animals were studied, including 65 olive baboons (Papio cynocephalus anubis) and 60 African green monkeys ([AGMs] Chlorocebus aethiops). Nested polymerase chain reaction targeting Babesia ß-tubulin genes was used to diagnose infection prevalence. Results indicated a prevalence of 22% (27/125) B. microti infection in free-ranging NHPs in Kenya. There was no statistically significant difference in B. microti infection prevalence between baboons and AGMs or male and female animals. This is the first report of the presence and prevalence of B. microti in free-ranging Kenyan NHPs.

Physiologic manifestations of stress from capture and restraint of free-ranging male African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops).

Adrenal gland weights, stomach mucosal lesions, and morning serum cortisol and prolactin levels were measured in 15 juvenile and adult male African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) that were shot by a hunter, euthanized after 24 hr of captivity, or euthanized after 45 days of captivity and intermittent blood sampling. Hormone levels were measured in seven additional males that had been in captivity for 7 mo. Mean serum cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in free-ranging wild monkeys at the time they were shot than in the monkeys after 1 day in captivity. Cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in wild-caught monkeys on the day after capture than they were in the same animals after 18 and 26 days of captivity. Cortisol concentrations were also significantly higher in the wild-caught monkeys 18 days after capture than in the laboratory-habituated monkeys in captivity for 7 mo. Mean prolactin concentration was significantly lower in the wild-caught monkeys on day 2 after capture, and the levels increased gradually to 45 days in captivity and was highest in monkeys that had been captive for 7 mo.

Reproductive biology of Sykes and blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis).

Thirty-five live births were recorded over a 5-year period from three subspecies of the mitis (Sykes and blue) monkey (Cercopithecus mitis) maintained outdoors in single-male harem breeding groups. There was no indication of birth seasonality. Females of one subspecies, C. m. kolbi, were individually caged, and basic reproductive parameters were monitored. A menstrual cycle length of 31.9 ± 6.0 days was recorded, and there were a large number of irregular cycles. Within individuals, mean progesterone and estrogen concentrations during the luteal phase of the cycle ranged from 5.5 to 10.7 nmol/liter and from 542 to 829 pmol/liter, respectively. Attempts at timed matings were unsuccessful. It is concluded that the mitis monkey is slow to adapt reproductively to captivity and is, therefore, not especially well-suited for routine reproductive studies. However, it may prove valuable to elucidate some of the more complex factors controlling guenon reproduction.