October 31, 2001 Hollie Colahan North American Studbook Keeper Population Manager Disney's Animal Kingdom Lake Buena Vista, FL INTRODUCTION Captive History: The genus Aotus, also known as owl monkeys, night monkeys, or douroucoulis have been kept in zoos since the late 19th century. Since that time, thousands of animals have also been imported for biomedical research, especially for their use in malaria and ophthalmologic studies. As a result, there is a significant amount of literature written about Aotus regarding both biomedical research and captive management. Robin Brockett at Zoo Atlanta first published the North American Aotus studbook in 1994 and this is the first update. Taxonomy: The taxonomy of Aotus is complex, and only recently have zoos begun to use karyotyping as a tool in captive management. Subsequently, this has revealed a variety of species and subspecies in zoos, as well as many hybrids. Although more changes will likely occur as additional information becomes available, currently recognized taxonomy lists 9 species with 4 subspecies (Table 2). Some hybridization does occur in the wild but appears to produce offspring that are infertile or with reduced fertility. Based on pelage coloration and degree of immunity to malarial parasites, the genus can be divided into two natural geographical groups: red neck and gray neck. Beyond this phenotypic distinction, karyotype and DNA analysis is required to determine taxonomy (Ford, 1994). The New World Primate Taxon Advisory Group (NWPTAG) has recommended that all institutions holding Aotus send blood samples to Dr. Jean Dubach at the Brookfield Zoo for karyotype and DNA analysis. Conservation Status: All Aotus species are currently listed as CITES Appendix II and range from Vulnerable to Endangered IUCN Red List Status (Table 2). Chief threats to the population are loss of habitat and hunting for food and export. Current Captive Population: In the Regional Collection Plan, the NWPTAG recommended Population Management Plans for Aotus lemurinus lemurinus and A. 1. grisiemembra if sufficient numbers exist in the captive population. Preliminary data indicates a need for founders and the PMP could be revised to include different taxa, depending on the availability of founders. The data included in this studbook are current through 31 October 2001. As of this date the North American managed population consists of 32.23.3 (58) animals in 21 institutions. Since the last publication in December 1994 have been: 38 Births (16.13.9) 44 Deaths (13.25.6) 32 Transfers (22.14.0) HOW TO OBTAIN: To borrow this document, contact Joanne Brown (brown@primate.wisc.edu), Head of Technical Services, Wisconsin Primate Research Center Library and Information Service, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Fax: 1-608-263-3512
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