Effect of behavioral enrichment on fecal corticosterone hormone levels in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) captive for conservation
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Abstract
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are classified as an endangered species (IUCN), therefore their conservation is important. Raising chimpanzees in a captive environments different from the natural environment may cause them to exhibit fewer natural behaviors and affect stress. Behavior enrichment is another way to help maintain animals in captivity and relieve their stress. Corticosterone is a steroid stress hormone group, that is secreted when animals are in stressful conditions with decreased immune system function. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of behavior enrichment on corticosterone levels in chimpanzees captive for conservation by collecting the fecal material of 4 chimpanzees (2 male and 2 female) before, during and after behavior enrichment, then the fecal material was dried and hormones were extracted with 90 % ethanol. The solution was analyzed for level of corticosterone hormone by ELISA technique using completely randomized design. Results of the study on corticosterone levels in male chimpanzees found that during the period of before behavior enrichment, during enrichment and after enrichment period were not significant. However, there was a continuous decrease in corticosterone levels. Corticosterone levels in female chimpanzees found that during the behavior enrichment period were higher than after enrichment and before the enrichment period, the level was not significant. The results of this study may be used as basic guideline information for designing behavior enrichment programs suitable for captive chimpanzees.
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