Michael Heistermann
Biographic Data
| ID | 96395 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Michael Heistermann |
| GIVEN NAMES | Michael |
| FAMILY NAME | Heistermann |
| SIGNATURE | HEISTERMANN M |
| AFFILIATIONS | German Primate Center |
| ORCID | 0000-0001-9354-1532 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 56 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 83 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 56 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1989 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 5 |
Assessing Gestation and Fetal Sex in Wild Assamese Macaques Using Urinary Estrogen Analysis
In mammals, estrogens and progestogens are crucial for gestation, fetal development, and maternal preparation for parturition and lactation. Measuring these hormones allows for the diagnosis of pregnancy, estimation of pregnancy failures, and potentially prenatal sex determination. We evaluated urinary estrogen and progestogen metabolites as biomarkers for gestation detection and for their utility for fetal sex determination in wild Assamese maca…
No Evidence for a Link Between Dominance Rank, Unit Size, and Faecal Glucocorticoid Levels in a Small Sample of Wild female Guinea Baboons (Papio papio)
Establishment and Validation of Fecal Secretory Immunoglobulin A Measurement for Intestinal Mucosal Health Assessment in Wild Lemurs
The measurement of biomarkers in blood and excreta can enable immune status assessment and provide prognostic information on individual health outcomes. In this respect, the fecal measurement of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), the primary mammalian antibody for mucosal defense, has recently received increased interest in a few anthropoid primates, but a fecal sIgA assay for use in strepsirrhine primates has not yet been reported. Here, we deve…
Developmental and environmental modulation of fecal thyroid hormone levels in wild Assamese macaques ( Macaca assamensis )
Thyroid hormones are key modulators of development, as well as mediators of environmental conditions, by regulating developmental processes and metabolism in primates. Hormone measurement in noninvasively collected samples, that is, feces and urine, is a valuable tool for studying the endocrine function of wildlife, and recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility of measuring thyroid hormones in fecal samples of zoo‐housed and wild nonhuman …
Urinary cytokine measurements do not reflect surgery‐induced inflammation in rhesus macaques
Measurement of the health and disease status of free‐ranging primates is often limited by a lack of available biomarkers of immune activation and inflammation that can be applied noninvasively via the measurement of urine or fecal samples. Here, we evaluate the potential usefulness of noninvasive urinary measurements of a number of cytokines, chemokines, and other markers of inflammation and infection. We took advantage of surgery‐associated infl…
Responsiveness of fecal immunoglobulin A to HPA‐axis activation limits its use for mucosal immunity assessment
The assessment of mucosal immunity as a component of animal health is an important aspect for the understanding of variation in host immunity, and its tradeoff against other life‐history traits. We investigated immunoglobulin A (IgA), the major type of antibody associated with mucosal immunity, in relation to changes in parasitic burden following anthelminthic treatment in noninvasively collected fecal samples in a semi‐free ranging group of Barb…
Subtypes of aggression and their relation to anxiety in Barbary macaques
Human aggression can be differentiated into reactive aggression (RA), displayed in face of a real or perceived threat and associated with high levels of anxiety, and proactive aggression (PA), displayed to achieve a certain goal and linked to lower anxiety levels. To study the origins of these aggression subtypes and their relation to anxiety, we tested if both subtypes can be distinguished in a nonhuman primate species, characterized their occur…
Comparison of fecal preservation and extraction methods for steroid hormone metabolite analysis in wild crested macaques
Do sexual calls in female black capuchin monkeys ( Sapajus nigritus ) vary with fertility? An acoustic analysis
Females across a range of animal taxa produce vocalizations and signals uniquely associated with periods of mating. While such signals may ultimately function to increase female attractivity to males, conflicting findings challenge the extent to which these signals co-vary in accordance with the probability of conception. Female black capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus) display an elaborate repertoire of both vocal and visual components as part o…
Assessing female reproductive status of spectral tarsier ( Tarsius tarsier ) using fecal steroid hormone metabolite analysis
The wild population of spectral tarsier is declining and attempts to breed the species in captivity have been of limited success. One possible reason for this is that information on the reproductive biology of Tarsius tarsier is extremely limited and data on the species reproductive physiology are completely lacking. We validated fecal estrogen (E-total) and progesterone metabolite (5-P-3OH) measurements for monitoring female ovarian activity and…
Validation of a field-friendly extraction and storage method to monitor fecal steroid metabolites in wild orangutans
Endocrinological correlates of male bimaturism in wild Bornean orangutans
Among primates, orangutans are unique in having pronounced male bimaturism leading to two fully adult morphs that differ in both physical appearance and behavior. While unflanged males have a female-like appearance, flanged males have the full suite of secondary sexual characteristics, including cheek flanges and a large throat sac. So far, hormonal correlates of arrested development in unflanged males and the expression of secondary sexual chara…
Immersive 3D geovisualization in higher education
In this study, we investigate how immersive 3D geovisualization can be used in higher education. Based on MacEachren and Kraak's geovisualization cube, we examine the usage of immersive 3D geovisualization and its usefulness in a research-based learning module on flood risk, called GEOSimulator. Results of a survey among participating students reveal benefits, such as better orientation in the study area, higher interactivity with the data, impro…
Evaluating noninvasive markers of nonhuman primate immune activation and inflammation
OBJECTIVES: Health, disease, and immune function are key areas of research in studies of ecology and evolution, but work on free-ranging primates has been inhibited by a lack of direct noninvasive measures of condition. Here, we evaluate the potential usefulness of noninvasive measurement of three biomarkers, the acute-phase proteins C-reactive protein (CRP) and haptoglobin, and neopterin, a by-product of macrophage activity. MATERIALS AND METHOD…
Behavioral and physiological responses to fruit availability of spider monkeys ranging in a small forest fragment
Numerous animal species currently experience habitat loss and fragmentation. This might result in behavioral and dietary adjustments, especially because fruit availability is frequently reduced in fragments. Food scarcity can result in elevated physiological stress levels, and chronic stress often has detrimental effects on individuals. Some animal species exhibit a high degree of fission-fusion dynamics, and theory predicts that these species re…
Lack of Evidence for Energetic Costs of Mate-Guarding in Wild Male Assamese Macaques (Macaca assamensis)
The Effect of Fission–Fusion Zoo Housing on Hormonal and Behavioral Indicators of Stress in Bornean Orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus)
Costs of and Investment in Mate-Guarding in Wild Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis): Influences of Female Characteristics and Male–Female Social Bonds
Male primates living in multimale groups tend to direct mate and mate-guarding choices toward females of high reproductive value, i.e., high-ranking, parous females, or females with which they share strong bonds. Little is known, however, about the constraints that may limit male mate-guarding choices (the costs of this behavior) and the influence of the females' quality on male investment in mate-guarding. We aimed to study the effects of female…
Extra‐pair paternity confirmed in wild white‐handed gibbons
Knowledge of the genetic mating system of animal species is essential for our understanding of the evolution of social systems and individual reproductive strategies. In recent years, genetic methods have uncovered an unexpected diversity of paternal genetic contributions across diverse animal social mating systems, but particularly in pair-living species. In most pair-living birds, for example, genetic and behavioral observations have confirmed …
Methodological Considerations in the Analysis of Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites in Tufted Capuchins (Cebus apella)
Analysis of fecal glucocorticoid (GC) metabolites has recently become the standard method to monitor adrenocortical activity in primates noninvasively. However, given variation in the production, metabolism, and excretion of GCs across species and even between sexes, there are no standard methods that are universally applicable. In particular, it is important to validate assays intended to measure GC production, test extraction and storage proced…
Brief communication: Female fecal androgens prior to the mating season reflect readiness to conceive in reproductively quiescent wild macaques
An extensive body of research exists on androgen secretion in males. Although androgens are also known to drive patterns of female reproductive physiology and behavior, little attention has been paid to these “male” hormones in females. Here, we examined female fecal androgen excretion in strictly seasonally breeding wild Assamese macaques ( Macaca assamensis ) and tested the hypothesis that changes in premating season fecal androgens vary with f…
Effects of social status and stress on patterns of gastrointestinal parasitism in wild white‐handed gibbons ( Hylobates lar )
Although gibbons (family Hylobatidae) are typically monogamous, polyandrous groups occur regularly. Stress associated with elevated intragroup competition among males in polyandrous groups may increase susceptibility to infectious disease. To better understand this interplay, as well as to provide the first comprehensive assessment of parasitism in free‐ranging gibbons, we characterized the richness of gastrointestinal parasites and examined thei…
Sociodemographic Correlates of Fecal Androgen Levels in Wild Male White-Handed Gibbons (Hylobates lar)
Brief communication: Fecal androgen excretion and fetal sex effects during gestation in wild assamese macaques ( Macaca assamensis )
In placental mammals, pregnancy usually is associated with an increase in maternal androgens, which may significantly impact fetal growth and differentiation, and affect postnatal development and behavior. Owing to their slow life histories and challenging social conditions, determination of maternal androgens and potential interference effects of fetal androgen production are of particular interest in wild primates. However, androgen production …
Fecal Glucocorticoid Measurements and Their Relation to Rearing, Behavior, and Environmental Factors in the Population of Pileated Gibbons (Hylobates pileatus) Held in European Zoos
Reproductive and Life History Parameters of Wild Female Macaca assamensis
Information on basic reproductive parameters and life-history traits is crucial for the understanding of primate evolution, ecology, social behavior, and reproductive strategies. Here, we report 4 yr of data on reproductive and life-history traits for wild female Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) at Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, northeastern Thailand. During 2 consecutive reproductive seasons, we investigated reproductive behavior and sexual …
Sexual Skin Color Contains Information About the Timing of the Fertile Phase in Free-ranging Macaca mulatta
Host intrinsic determinants and potential consequences of parasite infection in free‐ranging red‐fronted lemurs ( Eulemur fulvus rufus )
Parasites and infectious diseases represent ecological forces shaping animal social evolution. Although empirical studies supporting this link abound in various vertebrate orders, both the study of the dynamics and impact of parasite infections and infectious diseases in strepsirrhine primates have received little empirical attention. We conducted a longitudinal parasitological study on four groups of wild red‐fronted lemurs ( Eulemur fulvus rufu…
Characterization and Social Correlates of Fecal Testosterone and Cortisol Excretion in Wild Male Saguinus mystax
Ovarian Cycle and Effect of Social Changes on Adrenal and Ovarian Function in Pygathrix nemaeus
Fecal Glucocorticoid Measurements and Their Relation to Rearing, Behavior, and Environmental Factors in the Population of Pileated Gibbons (Hylobates pileatus) Held in European Zoos
Mate-Guarding as a Male Reproductive Tactic in Propithecus verreauxi
Sexual selection theory predicts that in group-living mammals, male reproductive tactics can lead to high reproductive skew in favor of dominant individuals. In sifakas (Propithecus verreauxi), a group-living primate with extremely seasonal reproduction, male reproductive success is highly skewed because dominant males sire almost all offspring despite a tendency toward an even adult group sex ratio. To understand the underlying behavioral mechan…
Endocrine Correlates of Reproductive Status in Breeding and Nonbreeding Wild Female Moustached Tamarins
Lack of Evidence for Energetic Costs of Mate-Guarding in Wild Male Assamese Macaques (Macaca assamensis)
Methodological Considerations in the Analysis of Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites in Tufted Capuchins (Cebus apella)
Analysis of fecal glucocorticoid (GC) metabolites has recently become the standard method to monitor adrenocortical activity in primates noninvasively. However, given variation in the production, metabolism, and excretion of GCs across species and even between sexes, there are no standard methods that are universally applicable. In particular, it is important to validate assays intended to measure GC production, test extraction and storage proced…
Effects of social status and stress on patterns of gastrointestinal parasitism in wild white‐handed gibbons ( Hylobates lar )
Although gibbons (family Hylobatidae) are typically monogamous, polyandrous groups occur regularly. Stress associated with elevated intragroup competition among males in polyandrous groups may increase susceptibility to infectious disease. To better understand this interplay, as well as to provide the first comprehensive assessment of parasitism in free‐ranging gibbons, we characterized the richness of gastrointestinal parasites and examined thei…
Individual Facial Coloration in Male Eulemur fulvus rufus: A Condition-dependent Ornament
Researchers studying individual variation in conspicuous skin coloration in primates have suggested that color indicates male quality. Although primate fur color can also be flamboyant, the potential condition dependence and thus signaling function of fur remains poorly studied. We studied sources of variation in sexually dichromatic facial hair coloration in red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur fulvus rufus). We collected data on 13 adult males in Kirind…
Signaling of Reproductive Status in Captive Female Golden-Headed Lion Tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas)
Immersive 3D geovisualization in higher education
In this study, we investigate how immersive 3D geovisualization can be used in higher education. Based on MacEachren and Kraak's geovisualization cube, we examine the usage of immersive 3D geovisualization and its usefulness in a research-based learning module on flood risk, called GEOSimulator. Results of a survey among participating students reveal benefits, such as better orientation in the study area, higher interactivity with the data, impro…
Evaluating noninvasive markers of nonhuman primate immune activation and inflammation
OBJECTIVES: Health, disease, and immune function are key areas of research in studies of ecology and evolution, but work on free-ranging primates has been inhibited by a lack of direct noninvasive measures of condition. Here, we evaluate the potential usefulness of noninvasive measurement of three biomarkers, the acute-phase proteins C-reactive protein (CRP) and haptoglobin, and neopterin, a by-product of macrophage activity. MATERIALS AND METHOD…
Costs of and Investment in Mate-Guarding in Wild Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis): Influences of Female Characteristics and Male–Female Social Bonds
Male primates living in multimale groups tend to direct mate and mate-guarding choices toward females of high reproductive value, i.e., high-ranking, parous females, or females with which they share strong bonds. Little is known, however, about the constraints that may limit male mate-guarding choices (the costs of this behavior) and the influence of the females' quality on male investment in mate-guarding. We aimed to study the effects of female…
Sociodemographic Correlates of Fecal Androgen Levels in Wild Male White-Handed Gibbons (Hylobates lar)
Estrogen and Progestogen Correlates of the Structure of Female Copulation Calls in Semi-Free-Ranging Barbary Macaques (Macaca sylvanus)
Females of many Old World primates produce conspicuous vocalizations in combination with copulations. Indirect evidence exists that in Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), the structure of these copulation calls is related to changes in reproductive hormone levels. However, the structure of these calls does not vary significantly around the timing of ovulation when estrogen and progestogen levels show marked changes. We here aimed to clarify this …
Urinary Progestogen and Estrogen Excretion During Pregnancy in Eulemur macaco flavifrons, E. rubriventer, and Hapalemur griseus occidentalis
Life-Phase Related Changes in Male Loud Call Characteristics and Testosterone Levels in Wild Thomas Langurs
The Effect of Fission–Fusion Zoo Housing on Hormonal and Behavioral Indicators of Stress in Bornean Orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus)
Brief communication: Female fecal androgens prior to the mating season reflect readiness to conceive in reproductively quiescent wild macaques
An extensive body of research exists on androgen secretion in males. Although androgens are also known to drive patterns of female reproductive physiology and behavior, little attention has been paid to these “male” hormones in females. Here, we examined female fecal androgen excretion in strictly seasonally breeding wild Assamese macaques ( Macaca assamensis ) and tested the hypothesis that changes in premating season fecal androgens vary with f…
Brief communication: Fecal androgen excretion and fetal sex effects during gestation in wild assamese macaques ( Macaca assamensis )
In placental mammals, pregnancy usually is associated with an increase in maternal androgens, which may significantly impact fetal growth and differentiation, and affect postnatal development and behavior. Owing to their slow life histories and challenging social conditions, determination of maternal androgens and potential interference effects of fetal androgen production are of particular interest in wild primates. However, androgen production …
Male Dominance Rank, Female Mate Choice and Male Mating and Reproductive Success in Captive Chimpanzees
Urinary testosterone metabolite levels and aggressive behaviors in male and female bonobos (Pan paniscus)
This study presents the first data on the relationship between testosterone (T) and aggression in both sexes of the bonobo ( Pan paniscus ). Morning urinary concentrations of T metabolites (measured by immunoreactive 5α–androstane–17α–ol–3–one) were used to reflect T status. Results show that first, no correlation of T metabolite levels with any of the aggressive behaviors was found between individuals. Within an individual, T metabolite levels o…
Fertility status, dominance, and scent marking behavior of family‐housed female cotton‐top tamarins ( Saguinus oedipus ) in absence of their mothers
The effect of the mother's absence on the fertility status and expression of scent marking behavior was examined in 12 sexually mature female cotton‐top tamarins ( Saguinus oedipus ) living in four motherless families. Behavioral data and urine samples were collected on an average of five times per week and levels of estrone‐glucuronide (E1G) were quantified directly by radioimmunoassay to establish whether the females showed ovarian cyclicity. O…
Assessment of female reproductive status in captive‐housed Hanuman langurs ( Presbytis entellus ) by measurement of urinary and fecal steroid excretion patterns
The study reports on the use of urinary and fecal hormone measurements for monitoring female reproductive status in captive‐housed Hanuman langurs ( Presbytis entellus ). Matched urine and fecal samples collected throughout 7 complete menstrual cycles of two females, and during part of one pregnancy in a third female were analyzed. Estrone conjugates (E1C) and immunoreactive pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) in urine and immunoreactive estradiol (E2…
Endocrine monitoring of the ovarian cycle and pregnancy in the saddle‐back tamarin ( Saguinus fuscicollis ) by measurement of steroid conjugates in urine
Direct measurements of urinary immunoreactive estrone conjugates (E1C) and pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG), were applied to monitoring the ovarian cycle (n = 9) and pregnancy (3 full term pregnancies, 2 mid‐term abortions) in Saguinus fuscicollis . During the ovarian cycle, urinary E1C concentrations revealed a high degree of day‐to‐day variability and appeared to be uninformative in reflecting cyclic ovarian function. In contrast, PdG was a relia…
Long-term data on basic reproductive parameters and evaluation of endocrine, morphological, and behavioral measures for monitoring reproductive status in a group of semifree-ranging Tonkean macaques (…
Cycle and gestation lengths, menstruation patterns, female genital swelling characteristics, and male-female consortship durations are reported in a semifree-ranging group of Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana) studied over a 12 year period. In addition, profiles of urinary estrone conjugates (E1C) and immunoreactive pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) throughout four complete menstrual cycles in two females and three full-term pregnancies are presente…
Functional significance of behavioral, morphological, and endocrine correlates across the ovarian cycle in semifree ranging female Tonkean macaques
The role of sexual displays in mating strategies and their reliability in indicating the time of ovulation has given rise to multiple explanations in nonhuman primates. In order to discriminate among hypotheses, socio-sexual behaviors were recorded in a semifree ranging group of Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana), together with sexual skin swelling volumes and measurements of urinary concentrations of estrone conjugates and pregnanediol glucuroni…
Inter-menstrual intervals in captive bonobosPan paniscus
Hormonal correlates of reproductive seasonality in wild female Hanuman langurs (Presbytis entellus)
To date, it is not known whether the seasonal occurrence of sexual behavior and mating in free-ranging Hanuman langurs at Ramnagar, Nepal, is correlated with seasonal changes in female ovarian function, and, if so, which factor(s) triggers the onset of the reproductive period. Using noninvasive fecal hormone analysis in combination with behavioral observations, this study was carried out to: 1) investigate and characterize seasonal patterns of ov…
Hormonal correlates of reproductive seasonality in wild female Hanuman langurs (Presbytis entellus)
To date, it is not known whether the seasonal occurrence of sexual behavior and mating in free-ranging Hanuman langurs at Ramnagar, Nepal, is correlated with seasonal changes in female ovarian function, and, if so, which factor(s) triggers the onset of the reproductive period. Using non-invasive fecal hormone analysis in combination with behavioral observations, this study was carried out to: 1) investigate and characterize seasonal patterns of o…
Signaling of Reproductive Status in Captive Female Golden-Headed Lion Tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas)
Noninvasive assessment of reproductive function in primates
Monitoring reproduction in Callitrichidae by means of ultrasonography
Life-Phase Related Changes in Male Loud Call Characteristics and Testosterone Levels in Wild Thomas Langurs
Urinary testosterone-metabolite levels and dominance rank in male and female bonobos ( Pan paniscus )
Female sexual swelling size, timing of ovulation, and male behavior in wild West African chimpanzees
Urinary Progestogen and Estrogen Excretion During Pregnancy in Eulemur macaco flavifrons, E. rubriventer, and Hapalemur griseus occidentalis
Ovarian Cycle and Effect of Social Changes on Adrenal and Ovarian Function in Pygathrix nemaeus
Endocrine Correlates of Reproductive Status in Breeding and Nonbreeding Wild Female Moustached Tamarins
Urinary testosterone metabolite levels and aggressive behaviors in male and female bonobos (Pan paniscus)
This study presents the first data on the relationship between testosterone (T) and aggression in both sexes of the bonobo ( Pan paniscus ). Morning urinary concentrations of T metabolites (measured by immunoreactive 5α–androstane–17α–ol–3–one) were used to reflect T status. Results show that first, no correlation of T metabolite levels with any of the aggressive behaviors was found between individuals. Within an individual, T metabolite levels o…
Patterns of anogenital swelling size and their endocrine correlates during ovulatory cycles and early pregnancy in free‐ranging barbary macaques ( Macaca sylvanus ) of Gibraltar
In macaques and other cercopithecoid primates, large anogenital swellings (AS) are generally found only in those species in which reproduction is not seasonally restricted. In this respect, the Barbary macaque is unusual because while it shows a marked degree of reproductive seasonality, it also exhibits a striking, exaggerated swelling of the circumanal region and labia. Information on the characteristics of AS in female Barbary macaques is limi…
Characterization and Social Correlates of Fecal Testosterone and Cortisol Excretion in Wild Male Saguinus mystax
Male Dominance Rank, Female Mate Choice and Male Mating and Reproductive Success in Captive Chimpanzees
Comparison of different enzymeimmunoassays for assessment of adrenocortical activity in primates based on fecal analysis
Most studies published to date that used fecal glucocorticoid measurements to assess adrenocortical activity in primate (and many nonprimate) species applied a specific cortisol or corticosterone assay. However, since these native glucocorticoids are virtually absent in the feces of most vertebrates, including primates, the validity of this approach has recently been questioned. Therefore, the overall aim of the present study was to assess the va…
The timing of ovulation with respect to sexual swelling detumescence in wild olive baboons
Female ovarian cycle phase affects the timing of male sexual activity in free‐ranging Barbary macaques ( Macaca sylvanus ) of Gibraltar
Although all macaques have a multimale multifemale mating system, the degree of promiscuity shown by the Barbary macaque is considered to be extreme in terms of both mating frequency and number of mating partners. How mating activity is distributed throughout the female menstrual cycle and whether or not copulations are concentrated around the fertile phase as in other members of the genus is, however, not known. To examine this, we collected dat…
Signals of female reproductive quality and fertility in colony‐living baboons ( Papio h. anubis ) in relation to ensuring paternal investment
The fitness of a female's offspring depends cruicially on the traits, genetic and paternal, that the father contributes. As such, females may either have an interest in behaviorally choosing the highest‐quality male, or in reliably signaling their fertility status to males. Combining hormonal data on a female's ovulatory fertile window with a behavioral context, we suggest that captive female olive baboons ( Papio h. anubis ) provide fathers with…
Biology (54 works) · Primate Behavior and Ecology (48 works) · Animal Behavior and Reproduction (41 works) · Zoology (39 works) · Ecology (27 works) · Hormone (25 works) · Medicine (21 works) · Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior (20 works) · Animal ecology (19 works) · Endocrinology (19 works)