1. Behavior of Leontopithecus rosalia (Golden-lion marmoset) and related species: A review
- Author
-
Patricia A. Snyder
- Subjects
Social communication ,Ecology ,Social change ,Endangered species ,Marmoset ,Captivity ,Zoology ,Biology ,biology.organism_classification ,Anthropology ,biology.animal ,Sex pheromone ,Leontopithecus rosalia ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,New World monkey - Abstract
Perhaps the most interesting behavior exhibited by marmosets is the formation of permanent pair bonds and the resultant equal dominance of both the male and the female in the family situation. Behavior patterns are stereotyped and it is relatively simple to establish daily behavioral repertoires for the different species. Scent marking behavior is an effective means of sexual and social communication. Its full significance to sexual behavior is yet to be known. Other forms of communication include tactile, visual and acoustic signalling. Fraternal, chimeric twinning is common in marmosets. The marmoset father assumes responsibility for carrying and caring for the infants, when the mother decides to relinquish the infants to him. After that time, she receives the infants only to feed them. A typical day for a L. rosalia family might include the following: (1) The activity begins at dawn; (2) The marmosets forage and exercise; (3) The animals sun and groom themselves and each other at the tops of trees; (4) The family moves to the lower branches of the trees and rests during the warmest part of the day; (5) The marmosets forage and play in the early afternoon; (6) The animals take short rests and forage until sundown; and (7) The marmoset family beds down together, when the sun sets. Very little is known concerning the social and sexual behaviors of the New World monkey L. rosalia in its natural habitat. In order to ensure the perpetuation of this endangered species, more must be learned about its behavior patterns and reproductive physiology. These studies can be made most easily in captive situations at the present time. Because breeding problems exist in captivity for this species, the number of animals available for study is limited. The reason or reasons causing breeding failure between captive born mates is not defined. The following aspects of L. rosalia behavior and physiology must be reconsidered and studied more closely in order to solve the existing breeding difficulties: the maturation, growth and social development, in infants; the length of the estrus cycle and its behavioral correlates; the formation of pair bonds; the production of pheromones; and the onset and offset of pregnancy.
- Published
- 1974