Abstract

PAVE, Romina; KOWALEWSKI, Martín M.  and  ZUNINO, Gabriel E.. Adoption of an orphan infant in wild black and gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya). Mastozool. neotrop. [online]. 2010, vol.17, n.1, pp.171-174. ISSN 0327-9383.

This study reports the first case of adoption in a wild group of black and gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya). After the death of one adult female with a dependent infant, her daughter with a dependent infant adopted the orphan of similar age of her own infant. We recorded the activity and proximity between the adopter and both infants during two following days. The adoptive female appeared to provide equal treatment toward both infants and the orphan seemed to recognize the female as his mother. This report suggests that adult females of A. caraya can rear two infants at once.

Keywords : Adoption; Alloparental care; Alouatta caraya; Kin selection; Orphans.

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