Research Article

Selected aspects of female white-faced saki (Pithecia pithecia) reproductive biology in captivity

  1. A. Savage1,*,
  2. B. L. Lasley2,
  3. A. J. Vecchio1,
  4. A. E. Miller1,
  5. S. E. Shideler2

Article first published online: 13 MAY 2005

DOI: 10.1002/zoo.1430140506

Issue

Zoo Biology

Zoo Biology

Volume 14, Issue 5, pages 441–452, 1995

Additional Information

How to Cite

Savage, A., Lasley, B. L., Vecchio, A. J., Miller, A. E. and Shideler, S. E. (1995), Selected aspects of female white-faced saki (Pithecia pithecia) reproductive biology in captivity. Zoo Biol., 14: 441–452. doi: 10.1002/zoo.1430140506

Author Information

  1. 1

    Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, Rhode Island

  2. 2

    Institute of Toxicology and Environmental Health, University of California-Davis, Davis, California

*Roger Williams Park Zoo, 100 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI 02907

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 13 MAY 2005
  2. Article first published online: 13 MAY 2005
  3. Manuscript Revised: 28 MAR 1995
  4. Manuscript Received: 19 SEP 1994

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Keywords:

  • puberty;
  • ovarian cycle;
  • pregnancy;
  • infertility;
  • New World primate

Abstract

Little is known regarding the reproductive biology of the white-faced saki. Although sakis have been in zoos since the mid-1970s, little attention has been paid to the reproductive biology of this threatened species. This study describes the results of a 3-year study of the reproduction of the white-faced saki in captivity. Using noninvasive methods to determine levels of estrone conjugates (E1C) and pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PdG) in daily urine samples, we have characterized the female reproductive cycle of this species. Nonconceptive ovarian cycles were 16.95 ± 1.57 (SD) days, gestational length was 146.1 ± 5.2 (SD) days, and the length of lactationally induced infertility varied among females but averaged 163 ± 40.6 (SD) days. Attempts to accelerate puberty by pairing a young female with an adult male was without effect. Puberty occurred at 32 months of age in one female. This study provides information that enhances our understanding of the reproductive biology of this species. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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