European Commission 2002 (2002)

Abstract

Comprehensive updated recommendations on the species-appropriate care of nonhuman primates. Enclosures for nonhuman primates should be equipped with one or more elevated resting surfaces (to a postion higher than the level at which they perceive threatening factors, e.g., humans) and installed in such a way that an animal can sit on them comfortably. Perches or shelves should be provided in all cages. Arboreal species should be given adequate vertcial space to allow the expression of normal locomotry behaviour. Primates should not be placed in double-tiered caging unless the arrangement permits adequate vertical movement for the animal (p. 87-88). Primates should not be housed singly unless fully justified by health considerations (for the animal and human handler) or research procedures, as advised following an ethical review process. If primates have to be singly housed, the animals should have visual, olfactory and auditory contact with conspecifics (European Commission 2002, p. 88).