Selected Mixed Species Exhibits of Primates in German ... - DPZ

Association 2
Associated
species
since 2001
Common
marmoset
(Callithrix
jacchus)
Severe macaw
(Ara severa)
Spix`s blackmantled
tamarin
(Saguinus
nigricollis)
T. Ziegler: Selected Mixed Species Exhibits in Zoological Gardens
Initial group
structure
1 male
3 females
2 males
1 male, 1 female
(as substitute for
Ara macao, see
table above)
Development of
group structure
until present
see table above;
one female died
because of delivery
problems
1 female
(male died, paralysed
after injury)
Measurements
and structure
of outdoor
enclosure
4x4m
height: 3 m
floor covered with
gravel, branches;
additionally monkeys
had exclusive
access to a
bigger outdoor
enclosure
Measurements
and structure
of indoor
enclosure
5.5x5m
height: 3 m
sleeping and nesting
boxes, many
branches, trunk
with artificial
cave, floor covered
with wooden
chips
• Special measures at the beginning of association: C. jacchus and A. severa were associated
without special measures (just close observation). When S. nigricollis was introduced
to the enclosure, C. jacchus was removed for several days.
• Special behavioural observations (intra- or interspecific): Initially no aggression
had been observed. Later on, some aggressive encounters occurred and subsequently the
single female S. nigricollis (male died) was distressed by C. jacchus and macaws.
• Problems and risks (animals, technical, vet. medical): While under pressure from associated
species, female S. nigricollis tried to retreat or hide for several days.
• Cause of problems and trouble shooting: Situation relaxed after a male C. jacchus was
removed and macaws were clipped. Further improvement of this association is expected
when a male S. nigricollis will be associated and a new C. jacchus group can be established.
The success of an association like this, obviously depends not only on the structure of the
groups, but also on individual characters of the animals involved. Future observation of the
development of this association might provide valuable information on this issue.
Common marmoset (right)
and Spix`s black-mantled
tamarin (left) in outdoor
enclosure, also open for visitors.
Zoologischer Garten
Rostock
Primate Report 64, December 2002 63