Preliminary Evaluation Of The Reintroduction Of A Mixed Wild-Captive Group Of Black Lion Tamarins Leontopithecus Chrysopygus

In order to save the critically endangered black lion tamarin Leontopithecus chrysopygus from extinction in the wild, a metapopulation management plan has been formulated, which includes managed dispersal of wild tamarins within the remaining habitat, translocation of animals between forest fragments, and reintroduction of captive-bred animals to the wild. This paper describes 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 previously 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 period 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 male succeeded in living with the females as a wild animal for approximately three months without support, before being taken by a predator after another period of exceptionally cold weather. This study demonstrates that although 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 effective component of metapopulation management strategies for this species.