The criteria for successful captive propagation of endangered primates

Abstract

There are several criteria used for evaluating the success of captive breeding programs for endangered primates. The most stringent criterion is that animals should be maintained in captivity so that they can retain the ability to survive if they are reintroduced to the wild. Implementing the criterion means designing environments that provide analogues to the natural environment. The role of social reinforcement and observational learning in attaining behavioral competence is quite important. Thus, animals need complex social and physical environments in order to acquire the sensorimotor, social interaction, and parental care skills they need to be self-sustaining. In addition, environments should be managed to provide animals with opportunities to learn skills, foraging and predator detection skills. Research efforts must be a part of all captive breeding programs not only to improve the captive breeding environment but also to learn as much as possible about an endangered species before it becomes extinct. A variety of noninvasive research techniques are described that allow the gathering of high quality research data without compromising the breeding success of the endangered animals.