Hostname: page-component-848d4c4894-8bljj Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-06-17T12:58:37.406Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

An Evaluation of the Suitability of Contraceptive Methods in Golden-Headed Lion Tamarins (Leontopithecus Chrysomelas), with Emphasis on Melengestrol Acetate (MGA) Implants: (II) Endocrinological and Behavioural Effects

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 January 2023

K De Vleeschouwer ,
L Van Elsacker ,
M Heistermann  and
K Leus
K De Vleeschouwer*
Affiliation:
University of Antwerp, Department of Biology, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, K Astridplein 26, B-2018 Antwerp, Belgium
L Van Elsacker
Affiliation:
University of Antwerp, Department of Biology, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, K Astridplein 26, B-2018 Antwerp, Belgium
M Heistermann
Affiliation:
German Primate Centre, Division of Reproductive Biology, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
K Leus
Affiliation:
Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, K Astridplein 26, B-2018 Antwerp, Belgium
*
† Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

In order to be suitable, a contraceptive method should have little or no effects on social organization or behaviour. In callitrichids, changes in socio-sexual interactions between group members, due to hormonal changes induced by contraception, may have consequences for the reproductive inhibition of offspring in their natal group. This may lead to an increased rate of inbreeding. In this paper we report on the endocrinological and behavioural effects of contraception in golden-headed lion tamarins, using data obtained through a world survey and an observational study. Hormonal analysis of urinary oestrone conjugate levels in melengestrol acetate (MGA)-implanted females confirmed earlier preliminary findings (Van Elsacker et al 1994): MGA implants inhibited reproduction through the suppression of ovulation and regular ovarian cycles in the implanted female, while the occurrence of ovarian cycles in the oldest female offspring of each group was not affected. Sexual interactions between the dominant adults still occurred but underwent temporal changes. Reproductive inhibition in female offspring was maintained. Social interactions between group members altered in a non-consistent way but did not have an impact on the stability of the study groups during the study. In principle, MGA implants do not have a detrimental impact on the behaviour of group members. The suitability of MGA implants from a behavioural point of view depends on the extent to which those involved wish to preserve the entire range of natural behaviours for this species. The behavioural effects of other contraceptive methods are still largely unknown.

Keywords

animal welfarecallitrichidscontraceptiongolden-headed lion tamarinspopulation control managementreproductive inhibition
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Welfare , Volume 9 , Issue 4 , November 2000 , pp. 385 - 401
Copyright
© 2000 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Abbott, D H, Barrett, J and George, L M 1993 Comparative aspects of the social suppression of reproduction in female marmosets and tamarins. In: Rylands, A B (ed) Marmosets and Tamarins. Systematics, Behaviour and Ecology pp 152–163. Oxford University Press: Oxford, UKGoogle Scholar
Abbott, D H and Hearn, J P 1978 Physical, hormonal and behavioural aspects of sexual development in the marmoset monkey, Callithrix jacchus. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 53: 155–166CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Altmann, J 1974 Observational study of behavior: sampling methods. Behaviour 49: 227–267CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Chaoui, N J and Hasler-Gallusser, S 1999 Incomplete sexual suppression in Leontopithecus chrysomelas: a behavioural and hormonal study in a semi-natural environment. Folia Primatologica 70: 47–54CrossRefGoogle Scholar
DeMatteo, K 1997 Association of Zoos and Aquaria Contraception Advisory Group Contraception Report Part I: Primates, 1st edition. St Louis Zoological Park: St. Louis, USAGoogle Scholar
De Vleeschouwer, K 2000 Social Organisation, Reproductive Biology and Parental Care: an Investigation into the Social System of the Golden-headed Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) in Captivity. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Antwerp, BelgiumGoogle Scholar
De Vleeschouwer, K, Heistermann, M and Van Eisacker, L 1998 Proceptive displays and the timing of mountings of golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas): is the female's reproductive status concealed? Advances in Ethology 33: 56 (Abstract)Google Scholar
De Vleeschouwer, K, Heistermann, M, Van Eisacker, L and Verheyen, R F 2000b Signalling of reproductive status in captive female golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas). International Journal of Primatology 21: 445–465CrossRefGoogle Scholar
De Vleeschouwer, K, Leus, K and Van Elsacker, L 2000a An evaluation of the suitability of contraceptive methods in golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas), with emphasis on melengestrol acetate (MGA) implants: (I) effectiveness, reversibility and medical side-effects. Animal Welfare 9: 251–271CrossRefGoogle Scholar
French, J A, Inglett, B J and Dethlefs, T D 1989 Reproductive status of non-breeding group members in captive golden lion tamarin social groups. American Journal of Primatology 18: 73–86CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hayes, K T, Feistner, A T C and Halliwell, E C 1996 The effect of contraceptive implants on the behavior of female Rodrigues fruit bats, Pteropus rodricensis. Zoo Biology 15: 21–363.0.CO;2-E>CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Heistermann, M and Hodges, J K 1995 Endocrine monitoring of the ovarian cycle and pregnancy in the saddle-back tamarin (Saguinus fuscicollis) by measurement of steroid conjugates in urine. American Journal of Primatology 35: 117–127CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hiddleston, W A 1978 The production of the common marmoset, Callithrix jacchus, as a laboratory animal. In: Chivers, D J and Lane Petter, W (eds) Recent Advances in Primatology, Volume ¡I pp 173–181. Academic Press: New York, USAGoogle Scholar
Hoage, R J 1982 Social and physical maturation in captive lion tamarins, Leontopithecus rosalia rosalia (Primates, Callitrichidae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 354: 1–50CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kirkpatrick J F and Turner J W Jr 1991 Reversible contraception in non-domestic animals. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 22: 392–408Google Scholar
Kleiman, D G, Hoage, R J and Green, K M 1988 The lion tamarins, genus Leontopithecus. In: Mittermeier R A, Rylands A B, Coimbra-Filho A and Fonseca GAB (eds,) Ecology and Behavior of Neotropical Primates, Volume 2 pp 299–347. World Wildlife Fund: Washington DC, USAGoogle Scholar
Lacy, R C, Petrie, A and Warneke, IVI 1993 Inbreeding and outbreeding in captive populations of wild animal species. In: Thornhill, N W (ed) The Natural History of Inbreeding and Outbreeding. Theoretical and Empirical Perspectives pp 352–374. University of Chicago Press: Chicago, USAGoogle Scholar
Leus, K 1998 Golden-headed Lion Tamarin Leontopithecus chrysomelas International Studbook 9 1996. Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp: Antwerp, BelgiumGoogle Scholar
Mack, D S and Kleiman, D G 1978 Distribution of scent marks in different contexts in captive lion tamarins Leontopithecus rosolia (Primates). In Rothe H, Wolters H J and Hearn J P (eds) Biology and Behaviour of Marmosets pp 181–188. Eigenverlag: Göttingen, GermanyGoogle Scholar
Möhle, U, Heistermann, H, Einspanier, A and Hodges, J K 1999 Efficacy and effects of short- and mediumterm contraception in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) using melengestrol acetate implants. Journal of Medical Primatology 28: 36–47CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Poole, T B and Evans, R G 1982 Reproduction, infant survival and productivity of a colony of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus jacchus). Laboratory Animals 16: 88–97CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Portugal, M M and Asa, C S 1995 Effects of chronic melengestrol acetate contraceptive treatment on perineal tumescence, body weight and sociosexual behavior of hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas). Zoo Biology 14: 251 -259CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Price, E C 1997 Group instability following cessation of breeding in marmosets and tamarins. Dodo Journal of the Wildlife Preservation Trusts 33: 157–158Google Scholar
Price, E C 1998 Incest in captive marmosets and tamarins. Dodo Journal of the Wildlife Preservation Trusts 34: 25–31Google Scholar
Ralls, K and Ballou, J 1982 Effects of inbreeding on infant mortality in captive primates. International Journal of Primatology 3: 491 -505Google Scholar
Rothe, H, Darms, K and Koenig, A 1992 Sex ratio and mortality in a laboratory colony of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Laboratory Animals 26: 88–99CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Van Elsacker, L, De Meurichy, W, Verheyen, R F and Walraven, V 1992 Maternal differences in infant carriage in golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas). Folia Primatologica 59: 121–126CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Van Elsacker, L, Heistermann, M, Hodges, J K, De Laet, A and Verheyen, R F 1994 Preliminary results on the evaluation of contraceptive implants in golden-headed lion tamarins, Leontopithecus chrysomelas. Neotropical Primates 2(suppl): 30–32Google Scholar