NEST BOX USE AND POLYGYNY IN AN ENDANGERED PRIMATE SPECIES: THE BLACK LION TAMARIN (LEONTOPITHECUS CHRYSOPYGUS)

The black lion tamarin, Leontopithecus chrysopygus, is an endemic and endangered primate species from the Atlantic Forest of the interior of São Paulo State, Brazil. Its mating system is characterized as monogamous and females give birth to two twin infants during each breeding season. They are known to mainly sleep in tree holes, which is considered as a pertinent strategy for increasing their protection from predators during the night. Artificial cavities, like nest boxes, have been installed for other species in areas where tree cavities are depleted, in order to replace them. In this study, we report (i) the use of nest boxes in the wild by a group of black lion tamarins and (ii) the first record of polygyny for this species.

Intergroup food transfers in wild golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia)

Transfers of food between adults are uncommon in primates. Although golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia), are unique among primates in the extent of food transfers, reports of food transfers between adults have so far been restricted to captive or reintroduced individuals. Here, I report the first six recorded events of adult-adult food transfers between individuals belonging to different groups. Given that individuals emigrate from their natal group to find reproductive opportunities, I suggest that those intergroup food transfers could be a way for individuals to estimate the quality or availability of potential mates or social partners. Here I propose an additional function of food transfers in wild golden lion tamarins: to create and strengthen social bonds outside of the family group.