Molecular studies of Callithrix pygmaea (Primates, Platyrrhini) based on transferrin intronic and ND1 regions: implications for taxonomy and conservation

Traditional classifications of Platyrrhini monkeys, based mainly on morphol ogical features, are being contested by recent molecular data. The subfamil y Callitrichinae (Platyrrhini, Primates) consists of a diverse group of spe cies, many of them considered endangered. Our analysis of two DNA regions, a mtDNA gene (ND1) and a nuclear gene (intronic regions of the transferrin gene), suggests that Callithrix pygmaea may have sufficient variability to justify the existence of subspecies or even separate species. Phylogenetic dendrograms based on the ND1 region show that this species is more closely related to Amazonian than to Atlantic forest marmosets. These results reope n the discussion about diversity and conservation programs based exclusivel y on traditional classifications.