REPRODUCTIVE EVENTS OF WILD COTTON-TOP TAMARINS (SAGUINUS-OEDIPUS) INCOLOMBIA

Reproductive patterns of wild cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) fe males located in La Reserva Forestal Protectora Serrania de Coraza-Mon tes de Maria in Coloso, Colombia, were examined using long-term behavi oral observations and fecal steroid analysis. Using an enzyme immunoas say, we analyzed fecal samples for E1C and PdG. Comparisons of reprodu ctive cycles of a reproductively active female and her daughters were made. An inhibition of ovarian cycles has been observed in daughters l iving in their families. However, daughters also exhibited normal ovar ian cycling that subsequently resulted in pregnancy. Factors influenci ng the fertility are discussed as they relate to the reproductive stra tegies of wild cotton-top tamarin females. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.