Preliminary evaluation of the reintroduction of a mixed wild-captive groupof black lion tamarins Leontopithecus chrysopygus

In order to save the critically endangered black lion tamarin Leontopithecu s chrysopygus from extinction in the wild, a metapopulation management plan has been formulated, which includes managed dispersal of wild tamarins wit hin the remaining habitat, translocation of animals between forest fragment s, and reintroduction of captive-bred animals to the wild. This paper descr ibes the formation and reintroduction of a mixed group of two wild females and a captive-bred male and evaluates the techniques used. The male had pre viously spent two years free-ranging in a wooded area of Jersey Zoo and had developed many of the necessary skills for survival in the wild. After a p eriod of quarantine and bonding, the group was reintroduced to the females' original territory in Morro do Diabo State Park, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. After some initial difficulties due mainly to extremely cold weather, the m ale succeeded in living with the females as a wild animal for approximately three months without support, before being taken by a predator after anoth er period of exceptionally cold weather. This study demonstrates that altho ugh some modifications to the procedure will probably increase the chances of success, reintroduction involving captive-bred animals with pre-release training and the opportunity to learn from wild tamarins can be an effectiv e component of metapopulation management strategies for this species.