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Abstract

Program Timing: Trap habituation begins in May. Trapping and sample collection occur annually during the rainforest dry season (June - August). Sample transport and analyses occur between September and April. Capture Overview: Entire primate social groups are captured together in multi-compartment traps in the morning to ensure same day release (~ 5 - 30 minutes depending on group sizes that range between 3 and 8 animals) -> animals are administered a small dose of anesthetic for trap extraction and 1st phase processing, then transferred to quiet, dark holding cages until 2nd phase processing (maximum holding cage time of 2 hrs for largest groups) -> one by one, animals are chemically restrained once more for 2nd phase processing for morphometric measurements, photographs, sample collection, and placement of animal identification (~ 25 minutes) -> animals recover in quiet, dark recovery cages during which 3-minute checks for breathing and movement occur until fully alert (1.5-2 h/animal since last injection of anesthetic) -> when the group is fully recovered from anesthetic all are released at the site of capture (< 5 minutes) -> group membership and well-being are confirmed with radio telemetry. Team Composition: This protocol is intended to be carried out by a team of no less than 4 individuals, including at least 2 experienced personnel. Roles include (1) veterinarian/senior researcher (2) designated animal handler (3) sampling assistant (4) data recorder. Refer to the PROCESSING ROLES section.