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Biochemical and hematological evaluations of black howler monkeys ( Alouatta pigra ) in highly degraded landscapes in Mexico
Author(s) -
GarcíaFeria Luis M.,
Chapman Colin A.,
PastorNieto Rosalía,
SerioSilva Juan Carlos
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of medical primatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.31
H-Index - 42
eISSN - 1600-0684
pISSN - 0047-2565
DOI - 10.1111/jmp.12286
Subject(s) - hematocrit , biology , albumin , hematology , hemoglobin , physiology , blood urea nitrogen , blood chemistry , ecology , zoology , medicine , endocrinology , immunology , kidney , biochemistry
Background Loss and fragmentation of Neotropical primates’ habitat can alter the health and individual adaptation. Physiological parameters reflect health status and individuals responses to the habitat conditions. Methods We captured six wild adult females and six adult males of Alouatta pigra to evaluate their physical condition (body mass, respiratory and heart rate, and rectal temperature), hematology and blood chemistry on fragmentation habitat condition at southeastern Mexico. Results The males weighed more than females, but the female’ temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate were higher. Low values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells suggest some degree of anemia in these howler monkeys. Low levels of the total protein, albumin, albumin/globulin Ratio, and low levels of blood urea nitrogen suggest that howler monkeys could have protein and carbohydrate deficiencies. Conclusions 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.