Papio Anubis Research Articles

Olfactory signals and fertility in olive baboons

Female primates signal impending ovulation with a suite of sexual signals. Studies of these signals have focussed on visual, and to a lesser extent, acoustic signals, neglecting olfactory signals. We aimed to investigate the information content of female olfactory signals in captive olive baboons (Papio anubis) and relate these to the female fertile period. We studied eight adult females living in four groups at the CNRS Station de Primatologie, Rousset-sur-Arc, France. We used vaginal cytology to detect ovulation. We investigated the volatile component of odour signals using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We found a total of 74 volatile compounds, of which we tentatively identified 25, including several ketones, alcohols, aldehydes, terpenes, volatile fatty acids and hydrocarbons that have been identified in odour profiles of other primates. Our results show that vaginal odour intensity differs with sexual cycle stage suggesting that odour might play a role in signalling female baboon fertility. We found differences in vaginal odour between females living in all-female and in mixed sex groups but we could not distinguish the effects of group composition, female age and identity. This study of olfactory signalling improves our understanding of how female primates advertise their sexual receptivity.

Efficiency of whole-exome sequencing in old world and new world primates using human capture reagents.

Whole-exome sequencing (WES) can expedite research on genetic variation in non-human primate (NHP) models of human diseases. However, NHP-specific reagents for exome capture are not available. This study reports the use of human-specific capture reagents in WES for olive baboons, marmosets, and vervet monkeys. Exome capture was carried out using the SureSelect Human All Exon V6 panel from Agilent Technologies, followed by high-throughput sequencing. Capture of protein-coding genes and detection of single nucleotide variants were evaluated. Exome capture and sequencing results showed that more than 97% of old world and 93% of new world monkey protein coding genes were detected. Single nucleotide variants were detected across the genomes and missense variants were found in genes associated with human diseases. A cost-effective approach based on commercial, human-specific reagents can be used to perform WES for the discovery of genetic variants in these NHP species.

Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Impacts Community Perceptions around Kibale National Park, Uganda

The attitudes of community members living around protected areas are an important and often overlooked consideration for effective conservation strategies. Around Kibale National Park (KNP) in western Uganda, communities regularly face the threat of crop destruction from wildlife, including from a variety of endangered species, such as African elephants (Loxodonta africana), common chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), and red colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus tephrosceles), as well as other nonhuman primates, including olive baboons (Papio anubis). These frequent negative interactions with wildlife lead many community members to resent the park and the animals that live within it. To mitigate these issues, community members around KNP partnered with researchers to start a participatory action research project to reduce human-wildlife interactions. The project tested four sustainable human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies: digging and maintaining trenches around the park border, installing beehive fences in swampy areas where trenches could not be dug, planting tea as a buffer, and growing garlic as a cash crop. These physical exclusion methods and agriculture-based deterrents aimed to reduce crop destruction by wild animals and improve conditions for humans and wildlife alike. We conducted oral surveys with members of participating communities and a nonparticipating community that border KNP to determine the impact of these sustainable human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies on attitudes toward KNP, wildlife officials, and animal species in and around KNP. We found that there is a positive correlation between participation in the project and perceived benefits of living near KNP. We also found that respondents who participated in the project reported more positive feelings about the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the organization that oversees KNP. This research will help inform future conservation initiatives around KNP and other areas where humans and animals face conflict through crop damage.

New insights in Cercopithecinae spermatozoa.

Sperm morphometric and morphologic data have been shown to represent useful tools for monitoring fertility, improving assisted reproduction techniques and conservation of genetic material as well as detecting inbreeding of endangered primates. We provide here for the first time sperm morphologic and morphometric data from Cercopithecus neglectus, Cercopithecus cephus, Papio papio and critically endangered Cercopithecus roloway, as well as comparative data from other Cercopithecinae species, i.e. Allochrocebus lhoesti, Mandrillus sphinx and Papio anubis. Following collection from the epididymis, spermatozoa were measured for each species for the following parameters: head length, head width, head perimeter, head area, midpiece length and total flagellum length, and the head volume, ellipticity, elongation, roughness and regularity were then calculated. Our data are consistent with both the general morphology and the morphometric proportions of Cercopithecinae sperm. Some specificities were observed, with C. cephus displaying a narrow head (width = 2.76 ± 0.26 µM) and C. roloway displaying a short midpiece (6.65 ± 0.61 µM). This data set represents an important contribution, especially for Cercopithecus roloway, one of the most endangered monkeys in the world, and further data on additional specimens coupled to data on mating systems and reproductive ecology should allow a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these morphological differences across primate species.

Corpus callosum morphology across the lifespan in baboons (Papio anubis): A cross-sectional study of relative mid-sagittal surface area and thickness

The corpus callosum enables integration and coordination of cognitive processing between the cerebral hemispheres. In the aging human brain, these functions are affected by progressive axon and myelin deteriorations, reflected as atrophy of the midsagittal corpus callosum in old age. In non-human primates, these degenerative processes are less pronounced as previous morphometric studies on capuchin monkey, rhesus monkeys, and chimpanzees do not find old-age callosal atrophy. In the present study, we extend these previous findings by studying callosal development of the olive baboon (Papio anubis) across the lifespan and compare it to chimpanzee and human data. For this purpose, total relative (to forebrain volume) midsagittal area, subsectional area, and regional thickness of the corpus callosum were assessed in 91 male and female baboons using non-invasive MRI-based morphometry. The studied age range was 2.5–26.6 years and lifespan trajectories were fitted using general additive modelling. Relative area of the total and anterior corpus callosum showed a positive linear trajectory. That is, both measures increased slowly but continuously from childhood into old age, and no decline was observed in old age. Thus, comparable with all other non-human primates studied to-date, baboons do not show callosal atrophy in old age. This observation lends supports to the notion that atrophy of the corpus callosum is a unique characteristic of human brain aging.

The Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and the Occurrence of MRSA CC398 in Monkey Feces in a Zoo Park in Eastern China.

Simple SummaryThe increasing observation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in wildlife species has raised the concern of its impact on the animal health and the potential of zoonotic transmission. The molecular types of MRSA and S. aureus in wild animals has been found to mix with several molecular types from humans and livestock, indicating a dynamics of S. aureus transmission between these animals and humans. Thus, it is important to investigate the epidemiological relationship of MRSA between zoo animals and humans. To investigate the prevalence and transmission of S. aureus in non-human primates and their living environment, we conducted this study on all the non-human primates in a zoo park located in eastern China. Fecal samples from non-human primates and samples from their living environments were selectively enriched and conducted for S. aureus isolation. The whole genome analysis showed that these two MRSA t034/CC398 isolates were found from a monkey fecal sample and its living environment. The virulence factor analysis showed that these two MRSA isolates carried virulence factors relating to the cell adherence, biofilm formation, toxins, and human-associated immune evasion cluster. The further phylogenetic analysis revealed that these two MRSA isolates have a close genomic relationship with the human-associated clinical isolates from China, which indicates a potential risk of bidirectional transfer of MRSA between monkeys and humans.Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the important antibiotic resistant pathogens causing infections in humans and animals. The increasing observation of MRSA in wildlife species has raised the concern of its impact on animal health and the potential of zoonotic transmission. This study investigated the prevalence of S. aureus in fecal samples from non-human primates in a zoo located in Jiangsu, China, in which 6 out of 31 (19.4%) fecal samples, and 2 out of 14 (14.3%) indoor room floor swab samples were S. aureus-positive. The antibiotic susceptibility tests of the eight isolates showed that the two isolates were resistant to both penicillin and cefoxitin, the three isolates were resistant only to penicillin, while three isolates were susceptible to all detected antibiotics. The two isolates resistant to cefoxitin were further identified as MRSA by the presence of mecA. Five different spa types were identified including t034 of two MRSA isolates from Trachypithecus francoisi, t189 of two methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates from Rhinopithecus roxellana, t377 of two MSSA isolates from Colobus guereza, and two novel spa types t19488 and t19499 from Papio anubis. Whole genome sequencing analysis showed that MRSA t034 isolates belonged to ST398 clustered in clonal complex 398 (CC398) and carried the type B ΦSa3 prophage. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the two MRSA t034/ST398 isolates were closely related to the human-associated MSSA in China. Moreover, two MRSA isolates contained the virulence genes relating to the cell adherence, biofilm formation, toxins, and the human-associated immune evasion cluster, which indicated the potential of bidirectional transfer of MRSA between monkeys and humans. This study is the first to report MRSA CC398 from monkey feces in China, indicating that MRSA CC398 could colonize in monkey and have the risk of transmission between humans and monkeys.

In silico binding analysis of human CD40 ligand mimetic molecule, 3-(dimethylamino)-1-phenyl-1-propanone hydrochloride (3-DPH), with CD40 receptor molecules of various mammalian species

Aim: To investigate the binding of human CD40 ligand (CD40L) mimetic molecule, 3-(dimethylamino)-1-phenyl-1-propanone hydrochloride (3-DPH), with CD40 receptor (CD40R) molecules of Homo sapiens, Cavia porcellus, Cricetulus griseus, Macaca mulatta, Mus musculus, Oryctolagus cuniculus, Papio anubis and Rattus norvegicus species using bioinformatics tool. Methodology: Three-dimensional structures of CD40Rs and CD40Ls for various mammalian species were generated using the published crystal structure of human CD40 receptor-ligand complex by homology modelling using SWISS-MODEL tool. Furthermore, human CD40L mimetic molecule, 3-DPH was docked against the generated CD40R of various mammalian species using AUTODOCK 4.2. Results: Docking studies revealed that documented HIS78 and GLN79 residues of human CD40R were the key interaction residues, which interacted with human CD40L and 3-DPH. The CD40Rs of H. sapiens, C. porcellus, C. griseus, M. mulatta, M. musculus, O. cuniculus, P. anubis, and R. norvegicus bind with 3-DPH with a binding energy -4.67, -5.22, -5.19, -4.62, -4.85, -4.63, -4.51, and -4.86 kcal/mol, respectively. Interpretation: Molecular docking studies provide crucial insight into the binding affinity and interaction of 3-DPH at the active site of CD40R of the respective mammalian species. O. cuniculus and M. musculus species were found to be appropriate animal models for further evaluation of the therapeutic effect of human CD40L mimetic molecule Key words: 3-DPH, Animal model, CD40R, CD40L, Homo sapeins, Molecular docking

Extended male–female bonds and potential for prolonged paternal investment in a polygynandrous primate (Papio anubis)

Extended breeding bonds and direct paternal care are rare in group-living species with high levels of male–male competition. In polygynandrously mating savannah baboons, many males form close ties (primary associations) to certain females outside the mating context. These relationships have likely evolved as a form of male parenting effort because roughly 50–75% of primary associates are the sires of the females’ current infants. Mismatches between the formation of primary associations and paternity have been interpreted as kin recognition errors, which arise because males rely on imperfect proxies of paternity. Alternatively, mismatches may reflect prior paternity history if males form enduring relationships with the mothers of their offspring. We tested these hypotheses in a wild population of olive baboons, Papio anubis . The behaviour of sires near the time of conception was considerably different from the behaviour of nonsire primary associates, suggesting that most males were not misled by ambiguous behavioural cues of paternity. Instead, previous paternity history was an important predictor of the strength of ties between males and lactating females. Both paternity of the current infant and paternity of the previous infant influenced the probability that males would establish close ties to females, and these effects were largely additive. These findings indicate that male–female bonds in olive baboons extend long past lactation and suggest that selection may have favoured prolonged paternal investment in offspring. • Female olive baboons form long-lasting ties to the sires of their offspring. • Male–female ties reflect current and past paternity history. • Mismatches between paternity and mother–male bonds are not kin recognition errors. • Extended mother–sire association is evidence for extended paternal care.

Contrasting effects of male immigration and rainfall on rank-related patterns of miscarriage in female olive baboons

In mammalian species with prolonged maternal investment in which high-ranking males gain disproportionate numbers of mating opportunities, males that quickly ascend the hierarchy may benefit from eliminating the dependent offspring of their competitors. In savanna baboons, high-ranking females are the most profitable targets of infanticide or feticide, because their offspring have higher survival rates and their daughters reach sexual maturity at a younger age. However, such patterns may be obscured by environmental stressors that are known to exacerbate fetal losses, especially in lower-ranking females. Using 30 years of data on wild olive baboons (Papio anubis) in Gombe National Park, Tanzania, we found evidence that rapidly-rising immigrant males induced miscarriages in high-ranking females outside of drought conditions. However, miscarriage rates were largely reversed during prolonged periods of low rainfall, suggesting that low-ranking females are particularly vulnerable to low food availability and social instability. Infanticide did not emerge as a recurrent male strategy in this population, likely because of the protective behavior of resident males towards vulnerable juveniles.

Pattern of crop raiding by wild large mammals and the resultant impacts vary with distances from forests in Southwest Ethiopia.

Crop raiding is a major form of human‐wildlife interaction mainly in the ecotone areas of human‐modified natural landscapes. The aim of this study was to examine the spatial pattern of crop raiding and the resultant impacts on how farmers perceive forests at different distances from Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve which is located in southwest Ethiopia. For this, thirty transects (each 1 km long) were laid out at 200 m interval parallel to forest edges: ten transects close to forest (<0.5 km), ten at intermediate (0.5–1 km), and ten transects were taken far from forest (>1 km). Along each transect, 2–6 households were randomly selected and interviewed using semistructured questionnaire. The perception of the respondents on forests at different distances from forest edges was analyzed using Pearson's Chi‐square test. The variation in the amount of damage among these three locations was tested using one‐way ANOVA. Four wild large mammals including olive baboon, vervet monkey, bush pigs, and crested porcupine were identified as top crop raiders in the area. The frequencies of occurrence of crop raiders decreased with increasing distance from forest edges. Similarly, the amount of damage in maize fields was higher close to forests when compared with that of either at intermediate or far from forest edges (p < .001). Eighty‐one percent of the households living close to the forests perceive that forest is a threat to their survival. Overall, our results imply that strategies need to be sought in order to minimize the socio‐ecological impacts of crop raiders mainly in locations close to forest edges.

Effects of Chronic Viral Infection on Lymphocyte Populations in Middle-aged Baboons (Papio anubis).

Aging of the immune system is characterized by the loss of naïve T-cells, increased inflammation, and immune function impairment. Chronic infection with cytomegalovirus is thought to play a role in age-related changes in immunity. Therefore, to assess the effect of pathogens such as cytomegalovirus on the immune system, we determined lymphocyte populations and inflammatory markers over a 3-y period in captive, middle-age baboons, with various exposure to pathogens and shedding pressure. Groups included SPF (i.e., pathogen-negative; n = 14); large-group, conventionally housed (CONV LG; pathogen- positive; n = 14), and small-group, conventionally housed (CONV SM; pathogen-positive; n = 7). All baboon groups showed a decrease in CD45RA+ CD28+ (i.e., naive) cells over time during middle age, but the rate of decline appeared faster in CONV LG baboons than in the other groups. In addition, the reduction in CD45RA+ CD28+ cells in the CONV LG baboons coincided with higher IgG levels against baboon cytomegalovirus, increased serum cortisol concentration, and a greater inflammatory phenotype. The results of this project support a role for cytomegalovirus infection in immune system alterations in middle-aged baboons.

Increased performance in juvenile baboons is consistent with ontogenetic changes in morphology.

In many primates, the greater proportion of climbing and suspensory behaviors in the juvenile repertoire likely necessitates good grasping capacities. Here, we tested whether very young individuals show near-maximal levels of grasping strength, and whether such an early onset of grasping performance could be explained by ontogenetic variability in the morphology of the limbs in baboons. We quantified a performance trait, hand pull strength, at the juvenile and adult stages in a cross-sectional sample of 15 olive baboons (Papio anubis). We also quantified bone dimensions (i.e., lengths, widths, and heights) of the fore- (n = 25) and hind limb (n = 21) elements based on osteological collections covering the whole development of olive baboons. One-year old individuals demonstrated very high pull strengths (i.e., 200% of the adult performance, relative to body mass), that are consistent with relatively wider phalanges and digit joints in juveniles. The mature proportions and shape of the forelimb elements appeared only at full adulthood (i.e., ≥4.5 years), whereas the mature hind limb proportions and shape were observed much earlier during development. These changes in limb performance and morphology across ontogeny may be explained with regard to behavioral transitions that olive baboons experience during their development. Our findings highlight the effect of infant clinging to mother, an often-neglected feature when discussing the origins of grasping in primates. The differences in growth patterns, we found between the forelimb and the hind limb further illustrate their different functional roles, having likely evolved under different ecological pressures (manipulation and locomotion, respectively).

Validating the use of functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in monkeys: The case of brain activation lateralization in Papio anubis

Hemispheric asymmetries have long been seen as characterizing the human brain; yet, an increasing number of reports suggest the presence of such brain asymmetries in our closest primate relatives. However, most available data in non-human primates have so far been acquired as part of neurostructural approaches such as MRI, while comparative data in humans are often dynamically acquired as part of neurofunctional studies. In the present exploratory study in baboons (Papio anubis), we tested whether brain lateralization could be recorded non-invasively using a functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) device in two contexts: motor and auditory passive stimulations. Under light propofol anaesthesia monitoring, three adult female baboons were exposed to a series of (1) left- versus right-arm passive movement stimulations; and (2) left- versus right-ear versus stereo auditory stimulations while recording fNIRS signals in the related brain areas (i.e., motor central sulcus and superior temporal cortices respectively). For the sensorimotor condition our results show that left-arm versus right-arm stimulations induced typical contralateral difference in hemispheric activation asymmetries in the three subjects. For the auditory condition, we also revealed typical human-like patterns of hemispheric asymmetries in one subject, namely a leftward lateralization for right ear stimulations for all three channels. Overall, our findings support the use of fNIRS to investigate brain processing in non-human primates from a functional perspective, opening the way for the development of non-invasive procedures in non-human primate brain research.

Potentially zoonotic gastrointestinal nematodes co-infecting free ranging non-human primates in Kenyan urban centres.

BackgroundNatural infections with soil‐transmitted nematodes occur in non‐human primates (NHPs) and have the potential to cross primate‐species boundaries and cause diseases of significant public health concern. Despite the presence of NHPs in most urban centres in Kenya, comprehensive studies on their gastrointestinal parasites are scant.ObjectiveConduct a cross‐sectional survey to identify zoonotic nematodes in free‐ranging NHPs found within four selected urban and peri‐urban centres in Kenya.MethodsA total of 86 NHPs: 41 African green monkeys [AGMs] (Chlorocebus aethiops), 30 olive baboons (Papio anubis), 5 blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis stuhlmanni) and 10 red‐tailed monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius) were sampled once in situ and released back to their habitat. Microscopy was used to identify nematodes egg and larvae stages in the samples. Subsequently, PCR coupled with high‐resolution melting (PCR‐HRM) analysis and sequencing were used to identify nodule worms.ResultsNHPs inhabiting densely populated urban environs in Kenya were found infected with a rich diversity of nematodes including three potentially zoonotic nematodes including Oesophagostomum stephanostomum, Oesophagostomum bifurcum and Trichostrongylus colubriformis and co‐infections were common.ConclusionPhylogenetic analysis showed that O. stephanostomum from red‐tailed and blue monkeys have a close evolutionary relatedness to human isolates suggesting the zoonotic potential of this parasite. Moreover, we also report the first natural co‐infection of O. bifurcum and O. stephanostomum in free‐ranging AGMs.

Genetic polymorphisms in eostrogen and progesterone receptor genes in &lt;i&gt;Papio anubis&lt;/i&gt; induced with endometriosis during early stage of the disease

<abstract> Genetic predisposition has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The most common pathogenetic hypotheses is that there is possible dysregulation of the ligand-receptorial signaling involving the main sex hormones, eostrogen and progesterone. This hypothesis indicates the need for studies to identify the genes and genomic variants involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The present study investigated the genomic variants in eostrogen receptor 1 and progesterone receptor genes in baboons with induced endometriosis. Female adult olive baboons (n = 10) were induced with endometriosis by intraperitoneal inoculation of autologous menstrual endometrium. DNA was extracted from thirty plasma samples and analyzed by direct sequencing using gene specific primers to determine polymorphisms in eostrogen receptor 1 and progesterone receptor genes. To determine the single nucleotide polymorphisms, the DNA sequences were analyzed using Bioedit software. Twenty-six point mutations in eostrogen receptor 1 gene resulted to a change in amino acid (non-synonymous mutations) while thirteen had no effect on the amino acid sequence (synonymous mutations). There were two point mutations in progesterone gene although one had no effect on the amino acid sequence. Transition substitutions were more predominant than transversions in the eostrogen receptor 1 gene. These findings suggest that genetic variants of eostrogen receptor 1 gene are related to susceptibility to endometriosis and therefore this warrants further investigation on how they influence the disease pathogenesis. </abstract>

Generation and Cultivation of Transgene-Free Macaque and Baboon iPSCs Under Chemically Defined Conditions.

Non-human primates (NHP), and in particular Old World monkeys including macaques and baboons, are key animal models for the late preclinical testing of novel stem cell-based therapies and other advanced therapy medical products (ATMP) for the treatment of degenerative diseases. These pathologies are characterized by the loss of functional cells in an organ, as in Parkinson's disease, age-related macular degeneration, or after myocardial infarction. For preclinically relevant testing of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based therapies, robust, and standardized protocols for the generation, characterization, and differentiation of NHP-iPSCs are required. Since the discovery of iPSCs by Takahashi and Yamanaka in 2006, human reprogramming protocols have been continuously refined. However, the generation of integration-free NHP-iPSC lines and a stable feeder- and serum-free long-term culture turned out to be difficult or even impossible with the current protocols established for human iPSCs. Here, we provide a robust protocol for the generation of transgene-free Old World monkey (and human) iPSCs and long-term cultivation under chemically defined conditions. This protocol was successfully applied to generate human, baboon (Papio anubis), rhesus (Macaca mulatta), and cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) iPSCs from skin fibroblasts. The resulting NHP-iPSCs provide a valuable resource for the preclinical testing of regenerative therapies in NHP.

Interactions Between People and Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti) Around Mbam-Djerem National Park, Central Cameroon

Understanding the interactions between local people and chimpanzees is crucial to develop sustainable wildlife conservation strategies and management policy in the Mbam-Djerem National Park (MDNP). The MDNP covers about 416,512 ha and shelters the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee ( Pan troglodytes ellioti) being the most endangered of all currently recognized chimpanzee subspecies. Close to 30,000 people live in the periphery of the MDNP and depend on the park’s resources for subsistence. We investigated the extent of, and factors leading to, the interactions between people and chimpanzees through a socio-economic survey focusing on households (124) and individual interviews (38) in 30% of villages around MDNP. About 95% of the respondents stated that human–wildlife conflict is an issue around MDNP. Access to resources (78.9%), crop damage (84%), and animal attack (11.3%) were the main sources of conflicts. The ground squirrel Xerus erythropus (59.7%), the green monkey Chlorocebus aethiops (20.2%), chimpanzees (7.3%) and baboons Papio anubis (5.6%) were identified as the main conflict animals and the destroyed crops included peanuts (70.2%), maize (15%) and cassava (5%). The population perceptions differed between the park’s four sectors and were significantly influenced by education and the main livelihood activity. The study also provided quantitative evidence on the role of personal and religious beliefs on the behavior towards chimpanzees. Our findings suggest that the improvement of income-generating activities and education will contribute to strengthening the conservation of chimpanzees.

Influence of rainfall on sleeping site choice by a group of anubis baboons (Papio anubis).

For diurnal nonhuman primates, shifting among different sleeping sites may provide multiple benefits such as better protection from predators, reduced risk of parasitic infection, and closer proximity to spatially and temporally heterogeneous food and water. This last benefit may be particularly important in sleeping site selection by primates living in savanna-woodlands where rainfall is more limited and more seasonally pronounced than in rainforests. Here, we examined the influence of rainfall, a factor that affects food and water availability, on the use of sleeping sites by anubis baboons (Papio anubis) over two 13-month study periods that differed in rainfall patterns. We predicted that during wet periods, when food and water availability should be higher, the study group would limit the number of sleeping sites and would stay at each one for more consecutive nights than during dry periods. Conversely, we predicted that during dry periods the group would increase the number of sleeping sites and stay at each one for fewer consecutive nights as they searched more widely for food and water. We also predicted that the group would more often choose sleeping sites closer to the center of the area used during daytime (between 07:00 and 19:00) during wet months than during dry months. Using Global Positioning System data from collared individuals, we found that our first prediction was not supported on either monthly or yearly timescales, although past monthly rainfall predicted the use of the main sleeping site in the second study period. Our second prediction was supported only on a yearly timescale. This study suggests that baboons' choice of sleeping sites is fluid over time while being sensitive to local environmental conditions, one of which may be rainfall.

Accurate assembly of the olive baboon (Papio anubis) genome using long-read and Hi-C data.

BackgroundBaboons are a widely used nonhuman primate model for biomedical, evolutionary, and basic genetics research. Despite this importance, the genomic resources for baboons are limited. In particular, the current baboon reference genome Panu_3.0 is a highly fragmented, reference-guided (i.e., not fully de novo) assembly, and its poor quality inhibits our ability to conduct downstream genomic analyses.FindingsHere we present a de novo genome assembly of the olive baboon (Papio anubis) that uses data from several recently developed single-molecule technologies. Our assembly, Panubis1.0, has an N50 contig size of ∼1.46 Mb (as opposed to 139 kb for Panu_3.0) and has single scaffolds that span each of the 20 autosomes and the X chromosome.ConclusionsWe highlight multiple lines of evidence (including Bionano Genomics data, pedigree linkage information, and linkage disequilibrium data) suggesting that there are several large assembly errors in Panu_3.0, which have been corrected in Panubis1.0.

Hair cortisol in captive corral-housed baboons

Hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) are measures of long-term hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) activity and can be used as indicators of chronic stress. However, intrinsic factors such as an animal’s age and sex can also have an impact on resulting HCCs. Although baboons are commonly studied in captivity, little is known about baseline HCC in this population. Here we measured HCC in two same-sex groups of captive olive (Papio hamadryas anubis) baboons and olive/yellow baboon (Papio hamadryas cynocephalus) crosses housed in large outdoor corrals, and we assessed the impact of age and sex on HCC as major variables of interest. Hair was gently shaved from the back of the neck when the animals were sedated for routine physicals. Subjects were divided into three age categories: juvenile (2–4 years), adult (9–12 years), and senior (13–19 years). The “senior” category contained only males. Results confirm an effect of sex and age on HCCs. Females had higher levels of hair cortisol than males, and juveniles had higher levels than adults. There was also a significant sex × age interaction. There were no sex differences in HCCs in juveniles, but there was a greater decline in HCCs in adult males than in adult females. Within males, there was a significant difference in levels of hair cortisol across the three age categories. Juveniles had higher levels than did adults and seniors, but adults and seniors were not significantly different from one another. These results provide baseline measures of hair cortisol in captive baboons and demonstrate effects of sex and age on HCCs.