Captive breeding of squirrel monkeys, Saimiri sciureus and Saimiri boliviensis: The problem of hybrid groups.

Zoo Biology 17 (2): 95-109

Abstract:

The electrophoretic variability of blood proteins coding for up to 32 genetic loci was analyzed in 108 squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus, Saimiri boliviensis, hybrids) from two captive colonies. Twelve polymorphic loci with 31 alleles are reported. The biallelic Ada* locus, G‐statistics and Hardy‐Weinberg genotype equilibria are useful for recognizing hybrids between S. sciureus and S. boliviensis. Backcrosses in hybrid stocks and gene flow in a natural hybrid belt, however, complicate the taxonomic diagnosis of captive specimens: S. sciureus phenotypes imported from Peru possessed the allele Ada*132, which generally characterizes S. boliviensis (or species hybrids). The complex taxonomy of Saimiri spp. Requires careful planning of captive breeding. We suggest a genetic analysis of the founder individuals before their inclusion in the European studbook population and to breed S. sciureus from Guyana separately from Peruvian imports, because the latter bear a greater risk of being taxonomically heterogeneous.

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EEP Husbandry Guidelines for Squirrel Monkeys (genus Saimiri).

57 Seiten. La Vallée des Singes, Romagne.

Einleitung:

Squirrel monkeys (genus Saimiri) are attractive primates that are popular in zoos. However, recent surveys showed that breeding of the genus in European zoos is often poor and that a close cooperation between zoos will be necessary to prevent the extinction of the genus in the near future. For this reason, breeding programs have been established for both species that are being kept in European zoos.

In order to help zoos to improve the husbandry of squirrel monkeys, husbandry guidelines have been compiled. The guidelines are based on information from the literature, results of earlier surveys and personal experiences. These guidelines should be seen as a living document that will need regular updates whenever there are new developments in the husbandry.

One problem with the consulted publications is that it has not always been clear which species was used for the study, and we do know that there are interspecific differences in behaviour and hormonal responses. However, as there is little evidence that the husbandry require ments for the two species of squirrel monkeys kept in European zoos are very different, the guidelines can be used for both of them.

In order to further improve our knowledge on the husbandry of squirrel monkeys, zoos should continue to exchange information on their experiences. I sincerely hope that these guidelines will have a positive effect on the well-being and reproductive outcome of squirrel monkeys in captivity

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Ethologische Beobachtungen dreier Totenkopfaffen (Saimiri sciureus) mit besonderem Fokus auf eine gestörte Mutter- Kind Beziehung.

Bachelor’s Thesis
65 Seiten. PDF: 1’428 KB

Lehrstuhl für Tierökologie, Prof. Dr. R. Gerstmeier, Technische Universität München, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan für Ernährung, Landnutzung und Umwelt, Freising–Weihenstephan

Voller Text

Zusammenfassung:

Trotz der verschiedenen Daten und Ergebnisse von 2006 und 2008 konnten einige Aussagen über das Verhalten dieser drei Fokustiere getroffen und in einen sinnvollen Zusammenhang gebracht werden. So wurde deutlich, dass ein anderes Individuum die Rolle der Mutter für ein Jungtier übernehmen kann, falls diese stirbt. Die Adaption wird allerdings bei Totenkopfaffen durch den engen Kontakt der Tanten zu den Jungtieren vereinfacht.

Trotzdem sind nach genauer ethologischer Betrachtung Unterschiede zwischen den Artgenossen feststellbar. Ob diese aufgrund der Individualentwicklung oder dem Wegfallen der leiblichen Mutter entstanden, konnte letztendlich nicht geklärt werden.

Datenblatt PDF

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