Familiarity may buffer the adverse effects of relocation on marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii): Preliminary evidence
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20019.abs The relocation of exotic species is increasingly crucial for the proper management of captive populations. We investigated the effects of relocation on urinary cortisol levels and proximity behavior in four Wied’s marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii). Two of the relocated marmosets constituted a well-established pair, whereas two (the newly established pair) were introduced when they […]
Onset of plural cooperative breeding in common marmoset families following replacement of the breeding male
Common marmosets, Callithrix jacchus, are usually characterized as singular cooperative breeders, with only a single, dominant female reproducing in each group. Anecdotal reports, however, have described two females breeding concurrently when an unrelated male joins their group. We tested the hypothesis that incorporation of an unrelated adult male into a family systematically leads to the […]
Moving callitrichid monkeys from cages to outside areas
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430080206.abs To assess the important aspects of a large area for environmental enrichment, the behavior of families of common marmosets Callithrix jacchus and cotton-top tamarins Saguinus oedipus when in laboratory cages and when in much larger outside areas was compared. All animals avoided areas with little cover. The two tamarin families preferred an indoor […]
Allowing Captive Marmosets to Choose the Size and Position of Their Nest Box
Preferences for nest box size and position were tested in two groups of common marmoset, Callithrix jacchus jacchus. In a pre-test phase two, new, wooden nest boxes were introduced to each group alongside their old metal one, so that the animals could become familiar with them, and so that any pre-existing preference could be identified. […]
Female marmosets’ behavioral and hormonal responses to unfamiliar intruders
The endocrine control mechanisms for female mammalian aggression have been largely unstudied. Although it has been proposed that androgens may modulate female aggressive behavior in a similar manner to males, very little conclusive evidence exists. Previous work in male marmosets found that post-encounter increases in testosterone (T) were dependent on the intensity of aggression displayed […]
Group service in macaques (Macaca fuscata), capuchins (Cebus apella) and marmosets (Callithrix jacchus): A comparative approach to identifying proactive prosocial motivations
Proactive, that is, spontaneous, prosociality reflects a psychological interest in the welfare of others and has been reported in callitrichid monkeys, capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella), and humans, but not in chimpanzees. One explanation for the co-occurrence of proactive prosociality in these species is that it is linked to shared infant care (cooperative breeding); alternatively, it […]
Seasonal variation in the length of the daily activity period in buffy-headed marmosets (Callithrix flaviceps): An important consideration for the analysis of foraging strategies in observational field studies of primates
Activity budgets are widely used in primate behavioral studies for the analysis of ecological strategies. In some cases, there is considerable seasonal variation in the length of the daily activity period. Here, activity budgets from two field studies of Callithrix flaviceps were compiled first by the traditional approach (proportion of scan sample records) and then […]
Long-term data on reproductive output and longevity in captive female common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is widely used in biomedical research, with many housed for breeding purposes world-wide. Significant variation in reproductive output among females has been found compared to other anthropoid primates. The present study explores this reproductive variation, focusing on potential predictors of dam longevity and litter size, as well as changes over […]
Assessing the welfare of laboratory-housed marmosets (Callithrix jacchus): Effects of breeding and infant rearing background
The common marmoset is the most frequently used New World primate in laboratory research and testing. In the UK, their use is strictly controlled by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, which is underpinned by the principles of humane science: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement. Despite their use, there are a number of problems associated with the […]
The long-term impact of infant rearing background on the affective state of adult common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Early life environment, including temporary family separation, can have a major influence on affective state. Using a battery of tests, the current study compared the performance of adult common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), reared as infants under 3 different conditions: family-reared twins, family-reared animals from triplet litters where only 2 remain (2stays) and supplementary fed triplets. […]