RESUMEN
Few studies have involved an examination of behavioural gender differences among callitrichid primates. The present paper presents consistent evidence from experimental projects, together with less formal observations, that adult females of both breeding and non-breeding status in species of marmosets (Callithrix) and tamarins (Saguinus) demonstrate priority of access to preferred and/or restricted sources of food. Differences in behavioural strategies between males and females in this regard are not only functionally plausible, but are consistent with differences in natural behaviour both in feeding ecology and social organization in species of the different genera. Behavioural propensities that relate to the behavioural strategies of males and females are also considered, together with a number of suggestions for future research that arise directly from the observations reported.
Asunto(s)
Callithrix/psicología , Conducta Alimentaria , Saguinus/psicología , Animales , Callithrix/fisiología , Ecología , Femenino , Preferencias Alimentarias , Masculino , Saguinus/fisiología , Caracteres Sexuales , Conducta SocialRESUMEN
The use of callitrichid primates in biomedical research was encouraged initially by their susceptibility to various diseases such as infectious hepatitis and rubella. However, there was no supporting biological knowledge which helped to keep them healthy and breed effectively in captivity. Further, various callitrichid biomedical models are endangered species; hence, animal welfare and primate conservation are interrelated. Recent information has extended our knowledge of the natural life styles of these species in various ways; but there is still little to predict persistent concerns of effective management in captivity. Hence, we need practical information such as those derived from laboratory records of housing, reproduction, diet and health, together with studies that compare specifically behaviour in different laboratory conditions. More important in the long run, is that we study the biobehavioural propensities of different species. As yet callitrichids are largely unknown in these regards--a situation that continues to present problems for the reliability, validity, standardization and generalization of experimental procedures.
Asunto(s)
Conducta Animal/fisiología , Callitrichinae , Crianza de Animales Domésticos , Bienestar del Animal , Animales , Callitrichinae/fisiología , Callitrichinae/psicología , InvestigaciónRESUMEN
Fourteen adult male/female pairs of tamarins, 5 red-chested (Saguinus labiatus) 5 saddle-back (S. fuscicollis) and 4 cotton-top (S. oedipus) were each given a series of foraging tasks in which the monkeys reached in to unfamiliar boxes to take food. Behaviour was recorded that related directly to the tasks. In addition, observations were made before each task presentation and compared with equivalent behaviour during the tasks. S. fuscicollis differed significantly from the other species in the baseline conditions and in the presence of the tasks, which they approached less frequently and for less time. Further, males and females across all species differed significantly in that females attempted the tasks more frequently, they spent longer periods attempting to solve them, and they removed food more often. These results were considered as evidence for male 'deference' to a potentially reproductive female.
RESUMEN
We have used our laboratory records to compare data on the reproduction and maintenance of common marmosets in different colonies and to provide additional information on the species in captivity. Data are presented for a period of 12 years. This was long enough to allow information on longevity, mortality, aggression and incest. In addition 543 infants were born from a total of 202 births. No seasonality was found and the highest proportion of births overall was that of triplets. A significantly greater proportion of males was born, but perinatal mortality reduced this to a proportion of 52.2% surviving males. The interbirth interval for all normal births ranged from 145 to 382 days, with a median of 158 days. There was no evidence that interbirth intervals increased with age. The proportion of non-breeding pairs was small (4 out of 28) and progesterone assays showed that these females were ovulating.