The effect of the captive environment on activity of captive cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus).

This study examined captive cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) behavior across 3 different exhibits: (a) a rainforest (30.5 m in diameter), where tamarins free-ranged with other species; (b) a caged outdoor exhibit (5 m in diameter); and (c) a caged enclosure, with access indoors (6 x 9m) and outdoors (2.5 x 2.5 m). The study observed tamarins using focal animal scan sampling in 10 min blocks. Scoring was on the percentage of intervals in which they engaged in 12 behaviors. The findings show significant differences in activity, inactivity, and visibility across exhibits and have important implications for reintroduction efforts.