Hematological analysis of free-ranging capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus Spix, 1923) and howler (Alouatta caraya Humboldt, 1812) monkeys from southern Tocantins state, Brazil

Abstract

In order to determine the hematological values and compare possible sex-related differences in healthy, adult free-ranging black-striped capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus) and howler (Alouatta caraya) monkeys, blood samples were collected from 15 capuchins (5 males and 10 females) and 47 black howler monkeys (28 males and 19 females). All monkeys were captured during a fauna rescue from a hydroelectric plant in southern Tocantins state, Brazil. Nine hematological profile variables were assessed, and the results were compared between groups and sexes using ANOVA and MANOVA, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. No significant difference was found in the hematological values of neither sex of S. libidinosus. However, in A. caraya, the RDW (♂14.37%; ♀13.53%) and number of platelets (♂186× 103/mm3; ♀153× 103/mm3) were significantly higher in males. Furthermore, the mean values of the hematological variables in both species were overall similar to those reported to captive animals.