Luo Zhi-Lin, Du Xi-Jin, Yang Jing-Yuan, Huang Tian-Peng, Cao Ying-Guang, Song Ke
Department of Stomatology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Department of Prosthodontics and Implantology, School of Stomatology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Zoo Biol. 2025 Mar-Apr;44(2):126-137. doi: 10.1002/zoo.21887. Epub 2024 Dec 23.
The Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) is a rare and endangered species endemic to China that occupies a particularly important position in the evolutionary history of Rhinopithecus species. Oral health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being in both humans and nonhuman primates. We review the current limited literature on the dental characteristics and dental pathologies related to the golden snub-nosed monkey, based on skeleton data and morphological evidence. The results indicated that this species possesses dental characteristics that are remarkably different from that of other primates such as larger-sized molars with blunt cusp crests, tiny incisor teeth, and strong mandibles with well-developed masticatory muscles. From limited research, dental diseases include caries, periodontal diseases, tooth loss, tooth wear, and other diseases, which can be found in most primates, including golden snub-nosed monkeys. In conclusion, these physiological features have gradually adapted to different environments to meet the requirements of their function. Understanding the tooth characteristics and dental health status of R. roxellana can provide valuable insights into their evolutionary history, dietary habits, and overall health, which is of great significance for the conservation of the entire population. An epidemiological survey and safe and effective inspection methods of the dental health of golden snub-nosed monkeys should be conducted to facilitate conservation behaviors that presented in the future. It is also recommended that zoos link diet and dental health to improve animal welfare.
川金丝猴（Rhinopithecus roxellana）是中国特有的珍稀濒危物种，在仰鼻猴属物种的进化史上占据着尤为重要的地位。口腔健康是人类和非人类灵长类动物整体健康的关键方面。我们基于骨骼数据和形态学证据，回顾了目前关于川金丝猴牙齿特征和牙齿病理学的有限文献。结果表明，该物种具有与其他灵长类动物显著不同的牙齿特征，例如磨牙尺寸较大、牙尖嵴钝、门牙细小，以及下颌强壮且咀嚼肌发达。从有限的研究来看，牙齿疾病包括龋齿、牙周疾病、牙齿脱落、牙齿磨损等其他疾病，这些在包括川金丝猴在内的大多数灵长类动物中都能发现。总之，这些生理特征已逐渐适应不同环境以满足其功能需求。了解川金丝猴的牙齿特征和口腔健康状况，可为其进化史、饮食习惯和整体健康提供有价值的见解，这对整个种群的保护具有重要意义。应开展川金丝猴口腔健康的流行病学调查以及安全有效的检查方法，以促进未来的保护行动。还建议动物园将饮食与口腔健康联系起来，以改善动物福利。
