Reproductive parameters in captive woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha)

We present data on the reproductive parameters of the woolly monkey from five different colonies and the North American Studbook. Because this species appears to be difficult to breed in captivity and yet is of conservation concern, a description of reproductive performance should be of help to colony managers. Few females (37.5%) were reproductively active for more than two birth events. The most successful females tended to be those who had been born in captivity, having younger ages at first reproduction (median = 6 years) and shorter interbirth intervals (median = 25 months), compared with their wild-caught counterparts (median = 9 years, inter-birth interval = 30 months). Females reproduced for between 3 and 6 years only and died at approximately 13 years of age. Sex ratio at birth was almost equal, and infant sex had no effect on inter-birth interval. Infant survival and rearing with the mother doubled the length of the interbirth interval. Zoo Biol 18:421-427, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.