Lion Tamarins: Biology and Conservation

Devra G. Kleiman & Anthony B. Rylands, Eds (2002)

Smithsonian Institution Press

ISBN 1-58834-072-4 (hardback) £34.50 / $45.00

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The four species of lion tamarin (Leontopithecus caissara, L. chrysomelas, L. chrsopygus and L. rosalia – the black-faced, golden-headed, black and golden lion tamarins, respectively) together represent some of the most easily recognised and photogenic primates. Historically, it was their misfortune to stand out so prominently, making them attractive and vulnerable to collectors and hunters. Coupled with the bad luck of inhabiting coastal forest, easily accessible to European colonisers, in what is now one of the most densely populated parts of South America, it could be seen as miraculous that they have survived so far. But this is not the reason for their current, albeit still finely balanced, chances of survival. Rather it is the result of enormous, long-term efforts involving extraordinary dedication and co-operation, both national and international, from a wide range of scientists, fund-raisers, zoo keepers, educators, politicians, landowners and local communities. This book documents these efforts, together with honest assessment of their effectiveness, and an array of articles on current knowledge of the biology and behaviour of this fascinating group.

The book is divided into 3 sections on the history, status, and captive breeding of lion tamarins, on their biology, and finally their conservation and management in the wild. The sixteen chapters, involving 50 authors, review and synthesise a very large literature, as well as providing new assessments and analyses. In the first section, detailed description and tables document the history of research and conservation efforts on the lion tamarins. The ground-breaking world-wide management of captive golden lion tamarin populations, initiated in 1981, has persisted as a highly co-ordinated, co-operative programme, involving both wild and captive populations, with exclusive ownership of almost all animals housed around the world signed over to the Brazilian government. All 4 species of lion tamarins are endangered or critically endangered; all have small wild populations in fragmented natural habitats. Scientifically based, species-specific management programmes involving both captive and wild populations are in place for 3 species (L. caissara, L. chrysomelas, L. rosalia). As for other callitrichid species, genetic diversity is possibly naturally low in lion tamarins, making its maintenance in captive breeding groups especially important. For each of the 3 species involved, captive breeding programmes aim to maintain at least 90% of the genetic diversity found in wild populations, for at least a 100 years. This exceptionally high target is considered necessary given the small wild populations and very limited genetic diversity. Indeed, as is frankly described, the 4 lion tamarin species recognised may not strictly be distinct enough for separate species recognition, but for conservation policy, its legal and political framework, it is crucial that the taxonomic designations are maintained.

The second, biological section of the book, reflects the major areas of research on lion tamarins, their genetics, behavioural ecology, reproductive biology, mating systems and group dynamics, infant care, communication and disease. Each chapter reviews, synthesises and presents new analyses. The topics emphasised include the most renowned callitrichid curiosity, female reproductive suppression. In the wild, significant numbers of golden lion tamarin groups, at least, are polygynous, but usually only one female breeds. Unlike other callitrichids, in lion tamarins this is not apparently hormonally effected, at least not by suppression of ovarian function, but operates through behavioural mechanisms, which may, of course, be hormonally mediated. As so often, relatively simple and uniform initial conclusions about callitrichid biology have proved more complex and variable with greater study. Habitat type and proximity to saturation levels may be important factors in the variation seen in mating systems, immigration and emigration events and other aspects of group dynamics. In common with other features, this is generally better established for golden lion tamarins, but many similarities across species probably occur.  It whets the appetite for what is to come, greater understanding of the proximate and ultimate factors affecting lion tamarin biology and behaviour. It is also important fundamental information about the species to underpin appropriate and effective population management schemes.

The third section is particularly noteworthy for its assessments of efforts to conserve and manage the wild lion tamarin populations. And here, the importance of the long- term nature of the management programmes becomes very clear. For example, by the year 2000, despite earlier losses, more than a third of the estimated 1000 wild golden lion tamarins were either reintroduced or translocated animals, or their descendants. Analyses of different reintroduction styles show that pre-release training, such as limited free-ranging, is much less important to post-release success than is post-release management, including provisioning, shelter and veterinary monitoring. For the black lion tamarin, L. chrysopygus, which was rediscovered in 1970 having been considered extinct, metapopulation management involving animal exchange and translocation rather than extraction for captive breeding, appears to be successful.

In both their introduction and conclusion, the editors emphasise the necessity of research, including fundamental biological and ecological research, for conservation. The longer-term efforts needed for such activity can appear indulgent to some, particularly in the face of such pressing endangerment issues. However, the book clearly demonstrates the point, through reproductive biology and genetics, to the study of infant care patterns, and analyses of the impact of habitat variation on lion tamarin behaviour. To an outsider, the callitrichid research community has an impressive cohesiveness and co-operative basis – like animal, like scientist. Perhaps there’s something in the naivety of an outsider. However, that co-operation is clearly reflected here in the multiple, multinational author groups, the large number of Brazilian scientists together with others of diverse origin. The work of the many people involved and the personal contributions made are recognised by the editors, particularly the founding and long-standing influence of the great Brazilian primatologist Adelmar Coimbra-Filho. Left out of these citations, however, are the two editors themselves. This fine book, as well as much of the work it encompasses, is also a clear reflection of the dedication of Devra Kleiman and Anthony Rylands to the scientific and conservation cause of the lion tamarins. It stands as a tribute to their enormous, enduring contributions.

ANN MACLARNON

Centre for Research in Evolutionary Anthropology

Roehampton University