Poster 21

Do some species of non-human primates have a cognitive ability that allows them to process and complete cognition tasks differently and more efficiently than other species? Can we provide for this ability in captivity? These questions were explored by introducing six species of primates, Brown-Headed Spider Monkey (Ateles fusciceps robustus), Black Lemur (Eulemur macaco macaco), Lar Gibbon (Hylobates lar), Ring-Tailed Lemur (Lemur catta), Dusky Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus), and Red Ruffed Lemurs (Varecia variegata rubra) to a cognitive device. The "Box Puzzle Feeder," a Plexiglas cube with a pivoting lid, tests cognition in the form of manual dexterity (manipulation of object to obtain the reward) and identifies, at various taxonomic levels, differences in: 1) amount of time spent interacting with the device, 2) the time it takes to "solve" the device, 3) methods and body parts used in manipulating the device, and 4) social dynamics that may come into play. Whereas the data show little differences in the amount of time taken by the different species to "solve" the device, there are considerable differences in how quickly they interact with it, social dynamics when the box is present, and the ways in which the different species manipulate and physically interact with the box. Specifically, the lemurs use their front hands to maneuver the lid while leaving the box in place, whereas A. f. robustus and T. obscurus pick up or roll the box to maneuver the lid. These data suggest that additional components should be considered when designing and implementing enrichment projects and protocols, including morphological differences, manipulative abilities, and limitations, and patterns of foraging behavior. By looking for and recording these differences we will be able to create new ways of assigning and assessing the value of cognitive and enrichment objects that we provide for animals in our care.