Attenuation of cortisol in ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) during the breeding season and associated cognitive abilities

Ring-tail lemurs (Lemur catta) are a highly social species with distinct breeding seasons. During the breeding season, ring-tail lemurs have been shown to experience elevated fecal glucocorticoid concentrations, a known marker of physiological stress. The social buffering literature suggests that some of this stress may be alleviated by increased levels of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in reproductive behaviour. However, the physiological effects of social buffering have not yet been analyzed in a reproductive context. To fill this research gap, I will analyze the relationship between cortisol and oxytocin in ring-tail lemurs during and outside of the breeding season. I will analyze banked blood samples at the Duke Lemur Center, and additionally, I will analyze the behavioural effects of this hormonal interaction using cognitive tests. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Julie Teichroeb

Student:

Partner:

Duke University

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: