INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF THE CALLITRICHIDAE

A conference on “The Biology and Conservation of the Callitrichidae” (marmosets and tamarins) was held from August 18 to 20, 1975, at the National Zoological Park’s Front Royal Conservation and Research Center. Participating were 60 scientists from the U. S., Europe and South America. The papers given at the conference covered a diversity of topics including the results of the first long-term studies by field researchers of marmoset behavior and ecology in South America. Research findings on captive animals covered endocrinology, reproduction, communication mechanisms, parental care, and social behavior. Round-table discussion groups concentrated on problems of conservation and captive management of marmoset colonies. Both field and biomedical researchers recognized their joint responsibilities in preserving the various species of marmosets and tamarins, and a resolution was adopted by conference participants which conveyed the concern of the researchers about reducing the pressure on wild populations by building reserves and developing captive breeding programs.