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

Abstract

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.

Hematological and serum biochemistry data on southern brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) in captivity in Brazil

“…In this study, males displayed even higher levels of neutrophils, a finding that diverges from results reported for C aethiops sabaeus , C sabaeus, and A pigra , where females had higher levels of these cells than males. The secretion of endogenous glucocorticoids, which is induced by stress, causes the medulla to release mature neutrophils into the bloodstream, decreasing the migration of these cells to the tissues .…”

“…In a previous study conducted at CEPESBI, A guariba clamitans males also showed higher values for these cells when compared to females . Furthermore, in a study on A pigra , the findings showed higher total leukocyte levels in females …”

“…In the analysis of the blood biochemistry, the GGT levels were found to be significantly higher in males than in females, and a difference also found in Cebus spp 48 In human beings, normal levels of GGT are also higher in men than in women. 49 Other authors who conducted biochemical studies on Cebus spp 50 and A pigra 29 reported higher GGT values in females, while in some studies performed with non-human primates these differences were not observed. 2,26 Regarding the application of GGT in the assessment of the health condition of animals, it is important to note that there is a variation among different species.…”

“…In previous studies reported in the literature, results for parameters such as the levels of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are compared considering male and female animals of various species including Alouatta villosa , Alouatta seniculus , Pan troglodytes , Cebus apella , Chlorocebus sabaeus , and Alouatta pigra species. In the subspecies Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus , differences in these hematological parameters that are related to sex were monitored in the animals from youth through adulthood .…”

Molecular detection of Bifidobacterium spp. in faeces of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra)

“…The howler troops were composed of, four adult males, four juvenile males, nine adult females, three juvenile females and one infant and at site 1, and six adult males, four juvenile males, five adult females, three juvenile females and one infant at site 2. These two troops have been continuously monitored since 2007, as they are considered a sentinel species and are part of several studies carried out in the area …”