The Tourist Effect: Investigating Male De Brazza's Stress Responses in Captivity

Student: Sanaya Roberts

Faculty Mentor: Derek Girman

Biology

College of Science, Technology, and Business

De Brazza's monkeys, primates from equatorial Africa, are arboreal and face threats from predators both above and below. These monkeys have selectively evolved non-verbal communication, relying heavily on facial expressions highlighted by a prominent orange brow and a large white beard. At Safari West, the behavior and facial expressions of a male and female De Brazza's monkey were observed using an ethogram to collect data on the male's stress response during various tours of their enclosure. Analysis of our study revealed that the male exhibited more severe stress responses to tour group size and frequency compared to the female. To better support the male and mitigate his extreme stress responses to tours, we are currently collecting data to determine the underlying causes. This data will be used to assess the potential benefits of enclosure expansion and the influence of group dynamics.