Electrophoretic polymorphisms and their taxonomic implications in Callitrichini (Primates, Platyrrhini).

Five hundred forty-three blood samples from 15 populations of the four genera of callitrichin primates were studied electrophoretically. Polymorphism and genetic distances were estimated for 20 loci, 13 of which were polymorphic. The lion tamarin (Leontopithecus) studied here exhibited the least variability for these loci, while the monospecific Cebuella showed the most. The genetic distances observed between Callithrix and Cebuella genera support previous evidence indicating a close taxonomic relationship between them. Genetic distance values obtained in this study also support the synonimyzation of the kuhli form with Callithrix jacchus penicillata.

Brazilian biodiversity.

Comments are made about Brazil's rich biological patrimony, the value of which is still impossible to be appraised in a judicious manner. We are dealing with a highly valuable unknown and, for this very reason, still not utilised in a rational manner. The most extremely serious aspect, however, is the destruction that has for centuries affected the natural ecosystems and their respective wild biotas, even before their being scientifically better know. The importance of utilising this natural patrimony is emphasised, as well as the native domestic races of plants and animals that have been molded for centuries by Brazilian environmental conditions, and that nowadays represent valuable genetic material for agronomic and zootechnical research. The conference ends with remarks about the imbalance and environmental disasters, as well as the destruction of biodiversity, that have occurred in the Northeast of Brazil due mainly to the massive and irresponsible forestal devastation in the region.

Genetic variation within and among lion tamarins.

The golden lion tamarin Leontopithecus rosalia rosalia, one of the rarest and most endangered of New World primates, has been the focus of an intensive research and conservation effort for two decades. During that period, managed breeding from 44 founders has brought the captive population to over 400 individuals, a number that equals or exceeds the estimated number of free-ranging golden lion tamarins. The extent of genetic variation among golden lion tamarins was estimated with an electrophoretic survey of 47 allozyme loci from 67 captive and 73 free-ranging individuals. The amount of variation was low, compared to 15 other primate species, with 4% of the loci being polymorphic (P), and with an average heterozygosity H estimate of 0.01 in these callitrichids. Electrophoretic analyses of captive and free-ranging animals (N = 31) of two allopatric morphotypes, Leontopithecus rosalia chrysopygus and L. r. chrysomelas, were similar to the L. r. rosalia findings insofar as they also revealed limited genetic polymorphism. Computation of the Nei-genetic distance measurements showed that the three morphotypes were genetically very similar, although discernible differentiation had occurred at two loci. These data are consistent with the occurrence of recent reproductive isolations of these subspecies.

Callitrichids in Brazil and the Guianas: current conservation status and potential for biomedical research.

Brazilian and Guianan callitrichids are categorized as endangered, vulnerable, common or status unknown. Endangered species should not be used in biomedical research and a continuing supply of wild-caught vulnerable species is also out of the question. Common species, on the other hand, could withstand limited sustained yield cropping without difficulty. Species categorized as status unknown should not be used until more data on them become available. Callitrichids have a higher reproductive potential than other New World monkeys, are for the most part quite adaptable, and are rarely hunted for food or captured as pets locally. Widespread habitat destruction is the major threat to their survival and species with naturally small ranges in areas of high human activity (e.g. Leontopithecus, Callithrix flaviceps) are in the greatest danger.