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An Evaluation of the Suitability of Contraceptive Methods in Golden-Headed Lion Tamarins (Leontopithecus Chrysomelas), with Emphasis on Melengestrol Acetate (MGA) Implants: (II) Endocrinological and Behavioural Effects

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 January 2023

K De Vleeschouwer ,
L Van Elsacker ,
M Heistermann  and
K Leus
K De Vleeschouwer*
Affiliation:
University of Antwerp, Department of Biology, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, K Astridplein 26, B-2018 Antwerp, Belgium
L Van Elsacker
Affiliation:
University of Antwerp, Department of Biology, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, K Astridplein 26, B-2018 Antwerp, Belgium
M Heistermann
Affiliation:
German Primate Centre, Division of Reproductive Biology, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
K Leus
Affiliation:
Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, K Astridplein 26, B-2018 Antwerp, Belgium
*
† Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
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Abstract

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In order to be suitable, a contraceptive method should have little or no effects on social organization or behaviour. In callitrichids, changes in socio-sexual interactions between group members, due to hormonal changes induced by contraception, may have consequences for the reproductive inhibition of offspring in their natal group. This may lead to an increased rate of inbreeding. In this paper we report on the endocrinological and behavioural effects of contraception in golden-headed lion tamarins, using data obtained through a world survey and an observational study. Hormonal analysis of urinary oestrone conjugate levels in melengestrol acetate (MGA)-implanted females confirmed earlier preliminary findings (Van Elsacker et al 1994): MGA implants inhibited reproduction through the suppression of ovulation and regular ovarian cycles in the implanted female, while the occurrence of ovarian cycles in the oldest female offspring of each group was not affected. Sexual interactions between the dominant adults still occurred but underwent temporal changes. Reproductive inhibition in female offspring was maintained. Social interactions between group members altered in a non-consistent way but did not have an impact on the stability of the study groups during the study. In principle, MGA implants do not have a detrimental impact on the behaviour of group members. The suitability of MGA implants from a behavioural point of view depends on the extent to which those involved wish to preserve the entire range of natural behaviours for this species. The behavioural effects of other contraceptive methods are still largely unknown.

Keywords

animal welfarecallitrichidscontraceptiongolden-headed lion tamarinspopulation control managementreproductive inhibition
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Welfare , Volume 9 , Issue 4 , November 2000 , pp. 385 - 401
Copyright
© 2000 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

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