PrimatesRhesus Macaque Native to Southeast Asia The rhesus macaque is Yerkes’ most common nonhuman primate and the most common monkey used in biomedical research due to its ability to adapt to almost any environment. This serves research programs well because such adaptable animals provide the most reliable research results. Rhesus macaques make valuable contributions to Yerkes’ AIDS vaccine research program as well as research programs involving aging, reproductive biology, biological basis of social behavior, behavioral effects of hormone replacement therapy, biological consequences of differences in maternal care, malaria and organ transplantation. Pigtail Macaque Native to Southeast Asia The pigtail macaque belongs to the same genus as the rhesus macaque, although pigtail macaques tend to be larger. These animals make valuable contributions to research involving AIDS, aging and behavioral effects of hormone replacement therapy. Cynomolgus Monkey Native to Southeast Asia Used in memory and neuroscience research at the Yerkes Research Center, the cynomolgus monkey sometimes is called a crab-eating macaque and has been used extensively in biomedical research. This monkey also is a known vector of smallpox and shows promise as an animal model for smallpox research. Chimpanzee Native to Africa Social dominance hierarchies are a predominant feature of chimpanzees, and most other nonhuman primates, with males and females having different but equally important roles. Chimpanzees make valuable contributions to research involving aging, brain imaging, genetic and cognitive studies, social intelligence and evolution. Sooty Mangabey Native to West Africa The sooty mangabey is believed to be, in nature, the source of HIV-2, a less-virulent strain of HIV. Yerkes researchers are studying these animals in efforts to refine and develop new treatments for AIDS and HIV infection. In addition, sooty mangabeys contribute to research involving reproductive biology and behavior, social system dynamics, immune function and evolution of growth. Capuchin Monkeys Native to Central and South America Capuchin monkeys are known for their high level of intelligence and curiousity, most likely due to having the largest brain-to-body size ratio of any primate other than humans. Capuchins provide valuable insight into foodsharing, primate economics, communication, cooperation, social affiliation and self-awareness. Squirrel Monkey Native to South America Squirrel monkeys, often seen traveling close behind a social group of capuchins, are found in South America and travel and forage almost exclusively on tree branches. Squirrel monkeys are used at the Yerkes Research Center in vaccine and behavioral neuroscience studies, specifically research on cocaine addiction and malaria.
|
