A ‘Checklist’ of Possible Items for Prosimian Husbandry Manuals and Research

Abstract

Zoo populations of prosimians are usually so small that death or reproductive failure of a few individuals may lead to a considerable loss of genetic diversity. Losses due to inadequate captive conditions must be minimized. This paper provides ideas and literature references for practical improvements of captive conditions and could serve as a checklist for writers of husbandry manuals. Items for inclusion in husbandry manuals containing detailed information about prosimians are provided. The preservation of genetic diversity in captive populations and adaptations of wild populations to their habitats are discussed. A list of items proposed for husbandry research includes an identification key for subpopulations and subspecies, field data and a variety of other factors such as housing, climatic needs, behaviour, relation between animals and keepers, reproduction, health, animal welfare and stress. Care for individuals as well as the metapopulation is recommended. The list includes some items which are not generally regarded as husbandry matters, but which ought to be considered, especially when a species is held for conservation purposes within managed programmes which include both in situ and ex situ components. The paper was based on experience with Loris tardigradus, so the needs of some other species may be less well covered.