Stressors of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) in the captive environment: Effects on behaviour and cortisol levels (2004)

Pines, M. K., Kaplan, G., Rogers, L. J.

Abstract

Salivary cortisol samples, collected using a cotton bud with banana on the tip, doubled following 30 minutes of exposure to playing radio (70-80 dB) or loud construction work (70-80 dB). Despite being sheltered from rain while outdoors, the marmosets moved indoors voluntarily when it was raining. There was no change in cortisol levels following the non-traumatic death of a cage/room mate, however, cortisol levels doubled (and remained elevated for at least five days) following the accidental injury and death of a cage/room mate in the absence of any other disturbing event. Involvement of room-mates in non-invasive experiments was also stressful, with cortisol levels doubling. Activity levels and time spent on the floor of the cage decreases, but there was no change in other stress-indicative behaviours. It would seem that the marmosets might be using a passive coping technique to deal with stressors over which they have no control. The results suggest that marmosets are negatively affected by noise and any kind of event adversely affecting a room-mate.