Considered one of the richest countries in diversity of mammals (471 species), Colombia is regarded as the second richest in terms of primate diversity in the Neotropics, and the fourth in the world with approximately 39 species, six of which are endemic (Rylands et al., 1997; Alberico et al., 2000; Cowlishaw and Dunbar, 2000).

Primates are important for tropical forests. They are key components in the evaluation of strategies for biodiversity conservation for specific areas (Rylands et al., 1997). Colombian primates are under great threat from hunting, forest loss and other human activities, resulting in the designation of one species as Critically Endangered (Ateles hybridus), one as Endangered (Saguinus oedipus) and five as Vulnerable (Ateles belzebuth, Aotus lemurinus, Saguinus leucopus, Callicebus ornatus, Lagothrix lugens) (IUCN, 2005).

The silvery-brown tamarin or tití gris, Saguinus leucopus, is a Colombian endemic (Defler, 2003). It geographic range is the smallest of the genus, the main reason for its status as Vulnerable (Defler, 2003: 112). Saguinus leucopus can be found in one regional reserve (Cañon del Rio Alicante) where, however, protection is inadequate because this reserve is being exploited by the communities in the vicinity (A. L. Morales-Jiménez, pers. obs.). Only a few studies have been conducted on this species, and these have focused on population density estimates, habitat use (Calle, 1992; Vargas and Solano, 1996; Poveda, 2000; Poveda and Sánchez-Palomino, 2004; Valle, 2004), behaviour (Rueda, 2003; Del Valle, 2004) and reintroduction of pet trade animals into the wild (Garcia, 1997). There are few studies on these animals in captivity (Alveario et al., 1985).

In Colombia, S. leucopus is maintained in at least seven zoos, but all of them have problems with its reproduction and survival. At least 50 zoo animals have died in the last five years. As of January 2006 no zoo had successfully bred and parent-reared these animals. The single litter of surviving young at that time were hand-reared, and most captive-born animals die before they are one year old (A. L. Morales-Jiménez, unpublished). Despite this history, there are no studies of the causes of mortality in Colombian zoos, but it is certainly associated with housing, stress, inadequate nutrition and husbandry, inappropriate management of social groups and blood and intestinal parasites. This species is also suffering from the illegal pet trade. There are currently (March 2006) around 100 individuals in four rescue centres that need to be re-located, and at least one new individual is confiscated each week (Orjuela and Caicedo, pers. comm.). Rehabilitation and release programmes are in their infancy and the success of these so far is not clear.

All these problems indicate that the species is under very high pressures, and that urgent in situ and ex situ conservation measures are needed to avoid its further decline, or even extinction, in the short term. For this reason, a conservation programme was organised in 2005 under the umbrella of the EAZA Callitrichid Taxon Advisory Group (TAG). It was coordinated by Lisbon Zoo (Portugal), and resulted from a consortium of 17 European zoos and local organisations, including nine Colombian zoos, regional conservation authorities (Corantioquia and Cornare), NGOs, Colombian universities and researchers. The programme is co-ordinated locally by Alba Lucia Morales, Researcher at Fundación BioDiversa, Colombia, that aims to establish long term in situ and ex situ conservation measures to protect S. leucopus. A combination of ex situ, in situ and education projects is necessary to protect this threatened species.

Goals of the Program

Results

The Saguinus leucopus conservation project is already a starting point for the conservation of this endemic callitrichid species in Colombia, and offers solutions for animals in the pet trade and support to zoos and rescue centers in order to create an ex situ conservation program. It also supports research and conservation efforts in Colombia and organizes educational campaigns to reduce the volume of the pet trade. This project already has many national and international partners, and is supported by the central government of Colombia as well as local conservation authorities such as CORNARE (Corporación Autónoma Regional del Rio Negro – Nare), CORANTIOQUIA (Coorporación Autónoma Regional de Antioquia) and ACOPAZOA (Asociación Colombiana de Parques Zoológicos y Acuarios).

Some important results have already been achieved since the program started in 2005:

Conclusion

The committed involvement of so many entities in Colombia that have joined efforts to save the silvery-brown tamarin is already a sign of success for this program. It is most likely the first time in Colombian history that so many different people and institutions — from private zoos to NGOs, central and regional conservation authorities, and private and public universities — are working together towards a national conservation goal.

Finally, this serves as a pilot project for other species of Saguinus, and will contribute to the management of other threatened Colombian taxa such as S. oedipus and S. geoffroyi. These species are underrepresented in Colombian zoos, and it is a priority to maintain ex situ viable populations in Colombia to contribute to their conservation. All the experience acquired from this project will help Colombian zoos to start ex situ conservation projects for other species.