Basal rate of metabolism and temperature regulation in Goeldi's monkey (Callimico goeldii)

Basal rate of metabolism (BMR) and temperature regulation are described for Goeldi's monkey (Callimico goeldii), a threatened New World primate species of the family Callitrichidae. Measurements were conducted on sleeping individuals during the night, using a special nestbox designed to serve as a respirometry chamber, such that test animals remained undisturbed in their customary surroundings. Oxygen consumption was measured at ambient temperatures between 17.5 and 32 degrees C for 10 individuals with an average body mass of 557 g. Average BMR was 278+/-41 ml O(2) h(-1), which is lower than the value predicted on the basis of body mass. Individual differences in BMR were significant even when body mass was accounted for. Body temperature was measured in five individuals below thermoneutrality and averaged 36+/-0.3 degrees C. The corresponding thermal conductance averaged 29.3+/-2.2 ml O(2) h(-1) degrees C(-1), which is similar to the expected value. The metabolic and thermoregulatory patterns observed in C. goeldii resemble those of the closely related marmosets and tamarins. Low BMR is presumably associated with limited access to energy resources and may be directly linked with phylogenetic dwarfing in the family Callitrichidae.