Husbandry practices adopted in ex situ management of Callithrix spp.: a systematic review

Abstract

The Callithrix genus involves six species of marmosets widely distributed in ex situ management that aims to improve their use in biological research (mostly C. jacchus) as well as the success of endangered species in conservation programs (C. aurita and C. flaviceps). However, adaptation to captivity involves several conditions that cause stress to primates, which can cause physiological, behavioral, and clinical damages. Therefore, this systematic review aims to gather and highlight techniques that favor Callithrix spp. welfare and good performance through an structured search on Web of Science, Scopus and Pubmed data bases. This study was performed in accordance to the PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-seven studies were selected and allowed to correlate husbandry practices with behavior, physiological parameters and reproduction in Callithrix spp. in ex situ management. Studies that did not involve Callithrix sp. were excluded and publications of veterinary care, analysis of vocalization, associated treatments, and ecology were not considered. The ARRIVE Guidelines were used to assess the quality of the studies included, which demonstrated good scientific evidence. In general, reproduction potential in Callithrix spp. colonies were associated with group formation; social bond implied directly in cortisol levels and the expression of natural behaviors. Captive marmosets’ welfare was enhanced by the adoption of specific husbandry practices, such as housing and feeding strategies, environmental enrichment and proper human-animal interaction. Together, these actions enables the expression of natural behaviors of the species. Marmosets were kept in ex-situ management for different purpose: in laboratories where they are used as an experimental model, in zoos or in conservation centers. The difference between the institution’s context influences the applicability of different husbandry practices. However, animal welfare has been a concern regardless the purpose for which they are kept. Thus, the high scientific evidence of the studies that supported this systematic review, allows the main findings of this research to be used by decision makers in the field of Callithrix husbandries.Keywords: Callithrix. Husbandry practices. Ex situ management.