title: Characteristics of reproductive biology and proximate factors regulating seasonal breeding in captive golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas).
abstract: Reproduction is highly demanding in terms of energy expenditure, and the costs and benefits associated with postponing or investing in a reproductive effort are crucial determinants of an individual's fitness. Understanding the reproductive potential of a species under varying ecological conditions offers important insights into the dynamics of its social system. This study provides the first detailed analysis of the reproductive potential of wild- and captive-born golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) under captive conditions, based on studbook data compiled during 1984-2000. Litters produced by wild-born females breeding in captivity are similar in size to litters observed in the wild, but smaller than litters of captive-born females. The more stringent ecological conditions experienced by wild-born females during maturation may result in a lifelong effect on litter size. However, interbirth intervals are shorter for wild-born than captive-born females. The relatively smaller burden of infant care that results from having smaller litters may allow wild-born females to sustain the next pregnancy sooner. Reproduction in the Brazilian captive population is highly seasonal for both wild-born females and females born in captivity in Brazil. Changes in photoperiod over a year provide a proximate explanation for changes in the proportion of conceptions and births per month. Outside Brazil, breeding occurs year-round, and no clear birth peak is apparent. Information from field reports that could be used to relate this finding to ecological factors, such as resource availability, is unavailable.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Research and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. kristel.de.vleeschouwer@zooantwerpen.be
authors.forename: Kristel
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: De Vleeschouwer
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Leus
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Van Elsacker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo / Q000502:physiology*; D002143:Callitrichinae / Q000502:physiology*; D002980:Climate; D005260:Female; D008098:Litter Size / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D017440:Photoperiod; D011247:Pregnancy; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012621:Seasons