Long-term data on the reproduction, seasonality and longevity of a captive population of black lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysopygus) for ex situ conservation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62015/np.2024.v30.589Keywords:
birth seasonality, Callitrichidae, gestation, maturity, PlatyrrhiniAbstract
This study compiles historical population data on the black lion tamarin population kept in captivity at the São Paulo Zoological Park Foundation (FPZSP), Brazil, from the first entry record in 1986 until December 2020. It presents data on sexual maturity, gestation, fecundity, births, sex ratio and life span for 141 animals kept during this time period. The first registered birth occurred in 1987 and since then another 98 live births have occurred, making this institution an international reference for black lion tamarin species management. Management techniques have continued to improve, focusing on life expectancy of the captive population, demographic growth, maintenance of genetic variability, and the ex situ conservation of this endangered species. Historical analyses show a unimodal pattern of birth seasonality in this captive population, with an average of two offspring per pregnancy and a survival rate of 1.4 offspring per pregnancy. Although the overall average was one pregnancy per year, 31% of breeding females had more than one annually. Mean age at sexual maturity for females was 39 months with a minimum of 25 months, while males matured at a mean of 68 months with a minimum of 38 months. The oldest reproducing female was 13.5 years old, and the oldest male was 13.1. The longest-living individuals were a 21.8-year-old female and a 19.5-year-old male. Of the 133 animals born, 69.9% survived their first month of life. Among these, the sex ratio was 0.633 males to 0.367 females. This compilation of information on the reproductive biology of captive black lion tamarins contributes toward integrated conservation actions for this endangered primate.
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