Hematology and Serum Biochemistry in Wild Howler Monkeys

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

“…Many of our hematological values ​​are not consistent with reported values . Hb, HCT, and RBC were slightly lower, but within the ranges reported to the specie .…”

“…Hb, HCT, and RBC were slightly lower, but within the ranges reported to the specie . We found no statistical differences between sexes for some parameters, such as HCT, even though males tend to have higher HCT values than females, these data agreed with Canales‐Espinosa et al ,. due to sex hormonal effects as androgen and erythropoietin have a stimulatory effect in male’ bone marrow and erythropoietin production in the kidney, and estrogens have an inhibitory effect on the bone marrow in females …”

“…It is very important to assess body mass to calculate anesthesia dose and to know general body condition, as well as hydration level . Balancán howlers males had 51.45% higher body mass than females, which is similar to that reported elsewhere (females 5.05 kg and males 7.05 kg; females 5.05 kg and males 6.99 kg; females 5.05 kg in Campeche and 5.88 kg in Tabasco, and males 6.99 kg in Campeche and 7.09 kg in Tabasco). Black howler monkeys from Balancán were heavier than expected for animals in a highly degraded area, and they did not show signs associated with inappropriate diet or reduced food intake.…”

“…Wild animals’ physiology can be considered as natural condition which it is used as reference to evaluate health status of captive animals. There are few records from wild populations of physiological and blood parameters of black howler monkeys; however, the studies of Abella‐Medrano, Rovirosa‐Hernández et al., and Canales‐Espinosa et al . from the rainforest in Campeche and Tabasco, Mexico, provide data to compare with our results.…”

“…Many of our hematological values ​​are not consistent with reported values . Hb, HCT, and RBC were slightly lower, but within the ranges reported to the specie . We found no statistical differences between sexes for some parameters, such as HCT, even though males tend to have higher HCT values than females, these data agreed with Canales‐Espinosa et al ,.…”