Construction and validation of a systematic ethogram of Macaca fascicularis in a free enclosure

PLoS One. 2012;7(5):e37486. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037486. Epub 2012 May 25.

Abstract

Behavioral studies in non-human primates have become ideal models for further investigations into advanced cognitive function in humans. To date, there is no systematic ethogram of the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) in a free enclosure. In a field observation of 6012 subjects, 107 distinct behaviors of M. fascicularis were preliminarily described. 83 of these behaviors were then independently validated through a randomized cohort and classified into 12 behavioral categories. 53 of these behaviors were then selected to accurately reflect the daily mundane activity of the species in a free enclosure. These findings systematically document the behavior of M. fascicularis in a free enclosure for use in further investigations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Macaca fascicularis*
  • Models, Animal*
  • Reproducibility of Results