Biology, Rearing, and Care of Young Primates

The propagation of wild animals in captivity is playing an increasingly important role in the conservation of species. This is particularly true of primates, many of which are threatened or endangered in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, primate mortality during the neonatal period is often high in captivity, often because of suboptimal management. Significant improvements in infant survival can be made with a better knowledge of neonatal biology and rearing procedures. The aim of this book is to provide a reference text on the normal growth of 18 primate species commonly held in captivity for propagation or research, and on the housing, feeding, management, and preventative medicine techniques that enable this normal growth. Up-to-date information, scattered widely through the scientific literature, is here gathered together and presented in an easily accessible form for those involved in rearing primates in captivity.