We analyzed fecal contents of wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) inhabiting Kurobe Gorge, mountain region of central Japan, by the point-frame method. We then compared the macaques’ winter diets with other study sites. Between 2011 and 2020, we collected macaque feces at three areas, a cave, a tunnel, and along mountain trails on steep slopes. The diet of the macaques in fall contained fruits, while in winter it was dominated by bark and winter buds. Compared to other study sites, the percentage of barks and winter buds in feces collected in winter in Kurobe was much higher. Our study supports previous assertions that bark and winter buds are fallback foods in snowy regions, where food availability on the ground is lower due to deep snow.

Over the past two decades, a number of biomedical studies have been conducted in Japan using common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Common marmosets are highly promising experimental animals because of their high fertility, which is noteworthy among primates. Here, based on our breeding experience at Kyoto University, we have compiled a simplified manual that outlines how to breed and raise robust common marmosets, defined as those achieving over 350g in weight, in a captive environment. The manual covers selection of appropriate breeding individuals, effective pairing methods, perinatal management including birth control, feeding and housing management, and precautionary health status monitoring.

Live pet trade has become one of the greatest threats to wild primate populations. Many primates were imported to Japan, and the country is considered to be a large pet primates market. Among the primates, slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.) were among the most popular species for live pet trade. However, there is not much awareness in Japan about the problems associated with live pet trade, especially among the young generation. In this study, a comic book about slow lorises was created, and its effectiveness as a teaching material for young people was evaluated. The participants, who answered an online survey, included 596 high school students from two high schools in Osaka, Japan. The participants accessed a comic book, short text, or long text, which served as teaching materials, and answered several questions before and after reading the materials such as their experience with pet primates and awareness of the problems. The results revealed that although the participants’ awareness related to infectious diseases, animal welfare, and conservation increased after reading any of the three teaching materials, the comic book did not increase their awareness more than the texts. Approximately 75 % of the participants found each of the materials interesting. Furthermore, approximately between 32.0 and 40.9% of respondents were willing to share information directly with others and between 14.5 and 16.5% of those with SNS (Social Network Service). No differences were found among the three conditions. In addition, while actual experience with primate pets prevented them from promoting awareness about the problem, their level of interest toward animals and experience with primate pets in SNS did not reveal such an effect. These results suggest the importance of providing information, but effective ways to convey information requires further investigation.