Optimizing a Noninvasive Oral Sampling Technique for Semicaptive Neotropical Primates in Peru

Area of Science:

• Primate conservation biology
• Wildlife disease ecology
• Noninvasive sampling techniques

Background:

• Disease surveillance in Neotropical primates (NP) is crucial but hindered by difficulties in sample collection, especially in remote areas.
• Traditional methods often require anesthesia, posing risks and logistical challenges for wild or semi-captive populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a noninvasive oral sampling method for Neotropical primates.
• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of using attractant-coated ropes for sample acquisition in semi-captive NP.

Main Methods:

• Offered attractant-coated ropes to 40 semi-captive NP at a rescue center in Peru.
• Measured rope acceptance, chewing time, and fluid elution.
• Preserved samples via direct freezing or RNA stabilization reagent.
• Assessed sample integrity using conventional PCR for mammalian cytochrome b.

Main Results:

• NP successfully chewed ropes in 82% of trials.
• High sample integrity was confirmed, with 96% of samples testing positive for cytochrome b.
• Increased exposure to the rope procedure and older age were associated with higher acceptance rates.

Conclusions:

• Rope-chewing is a feasible, noninvasive method for obtaining oral samples from Neotropical primates in rescue centers.
• This method can support future population genetics studies and pathogen surveillance for NP health monitoring.