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Nutritional and Health Status of Woolly Monkeys

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Abstract

Woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha and L. flavicauda) are threatened species in the wild and in captivity. Numerous zoological institutions have historically kept Lagothrix lagotricha spp., but only a few of them have succeeded in breeding populations. Therefore the majority of institutions that formerly kept Lagothrix lagotricha are no longer able or willing to do so. Captive populations of the species have frequent health problems, most significantly hypertension and related disorders. Researchers have conducted free-ranging dietary and behavior studies with respect to woolly monkeys, but have established no concrete link between diet or nutrients and captive health problems. The available literature we discuss indicates that researchers need to examine the link further. In addition, it is critical to the survival of the primates to be able to keep breeding populations in captivity owing to increasing natural pressures such as deforestation and hunting. Therefore, better understanding of the captive and free-ranging behavior and health parameters of the species is vital to ensure their survival and to maintain forest health and diversity. Researchers need to conduct large-scale research studies comparing the health and complete diet of individuals in the wild and captivity to resolve health problems facing the species in captivity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA

    Kimberly Ange-van Heugten

  2. Wageningen University, Marijkeweg 40, 6709 PG, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    Kimberly Ange-van Heugten, Saskia Timmer & Martin W. A. Verstegen

  3. European Zoo Nutrition Centre, 1018 CZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Walter L. Jansen

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  1. Kimberly Ange-van Heugten
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  2. Saskia Timmer
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  3. Walter L. Jansen
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  4. Martin W. A. Verstegen
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Correspondence to Kimberly Ange-van Heugten.

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Ange-van Heugten, K., Timmer, S., Jansen, W.L. et al. Nutritional and Health Status of Woolly Monkeys. Int J Primatol 29, 183–194 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-008-9233-1

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